Action demanded on youth unemployment

A NORTHSIDE TD has called for urgent Government action to deal with youth unemployment.

Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan (Ind) said that although the recent unemployment figure of 8.6 per cent is to be welcomed, those out of work under 25 still stands at a “shockingly” high rate of 19 per cent.  

“Youth unemployment is still a great concern,” said Deputy Broughan.

“Access to affordable education remains a barrier for many young people as does the sky-rocketing rents in larger cities where there may be more employment or training opportunities.  

“Many of our problems are inter-related and the political will and foresight to address them just does not seem to be there.”  

Deputy Broughan said decisive action is needed now. 

“What’s best for the national interest is a Government putting the people first ahead of party politics and egos,” he added.

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) also voiced concern at the figures, and in particular, the number of long term unemployed, aged under 25. 

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on April 7 show that the number of those aged under 25 signing on in March was 38,391. This represents a decrease of 1,393 compared to the February figure.

However, the latest data from the Department of Social Protection shows that 13,514 young people under 25 have been on the Live Register for one year or more.

NYCI deputy director James Doorley said that while they welcome the small reduction, “we should all be concerned at the high number of long-term unemployed young people”. 

“Policy measures need to focus primarily on this group, to support them into a quality education, training or work experience that leads to sustainable and decent employment,” said Mr Doorley.

“It is worrying that one of the initial discussion papers emerging from current negotiations around the formation of a new Government makes scant mention of the issue of youth employment.

“We accept this is just one document in circulation but with the youth unemployment rate at 19 per cent, we are calling on all parties and independents engaged in these talks to make this issue one of the priorities for any new administration.”  

A spokeswoman for the Department of Social Protection said the Government recognises that as the recovery takes hold, there is a need for additional measures to ensure that as many of the jobs created as possible are taken up by jobseekers and young jobseekers in particular. “This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy and the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan,” she said.

“Within this framework, the Youth Guarantee sets a medium-term objective of ensuring that young people receive an offer of employment, education or training within four months of becoming unemployed. 

“The main plank of the guarantee is assistance to young people in finding and securing sustainable jobs. There is monthly engagement with all young jobseekers.”

The spokeswoman said that for those who do not find employment, additional offers are provided.

“Most such offers (over 70 per cent) are in further education or training,” she said.

“Overall, young people took up just over 19,000 Youth Guarantee-related programme places in 2015.”

The spokeswoman pointed out that the youth unemployment rate, at 19 per cent, is down from a peak of 31 per cent, in late 2012, and continues to fall. 

“Similarly, the number of young people on the Live Register has fallen sharply from a peak of over 90,000 reached in mid-2010, and continues to fall,” she added.