Press release: Unique research reveals issues that face young people in Ireland today
June 23rd, 2009
The National Youth Council of Ireland are launching a unique report on Wednesday, June 24th at 12pm entitled “The Truth about Youth.” The report will be launched at the EU Commission Offices by esteemed young actress and businesswoman, Rachel Kavanagh and will give a snapshot of the attitudes and experiences of young people aged 18 to 25 years, an age cohort that is largely ignored.
This research surveyed over 1,000 young people across the country and offers an insight into the issues that affect young people in Ireland today. The issues covered in the report are Education, Voting Participation, Health, Housing and Personal Finance. Based on the research we have outlined 16 actions which we believe Government should introduce to support and assist young people to achieve their full potential and to better contribute to Irish society.
“The most striking thing about this report is the need for investment in flexible and affordable education and training, particularly for young people vulnerable to redundancy. In the current economic climate the impact of recession is and will have devastating repercussions for many young people, especially those who do not have the skills or qualifications required for a rapidly changing job market. In light of this we need to ensure that these young people are provided with supports to equip them with the skills to be employable again and ensure that the new unemployed are supported to re-enter the job market as quickly as possible,” commented James Doorley, Assistant Director at the National Youth Council of Ireland.
Another key finding of the survey research relates to the health and well-being and the need to invest in an equal and accessible good quality healthcare system. The research clearly confirms that many young people are prevented from availing of health services due to cost and many feel their health is far from good. Almost one third of those surveyed had not been to the doctor in the past year. One in five respondents had not attended the doctor when sick due to financial costs, and alarmingly nearly half surveyed did not have health insurance.
“We are living in very challenging times and the decisions that Government take will determine how long the country remains in a state of economic recession and to what extent we recover from the downturn. With the proper support, young people aged 18 to 25 can be key drivers of recovery and renewal in our economy and society, but the Government must provide the political leadership to ensure that happens. The results of this research demonstrate clearly that we need an overall Government plan of action and a strategy for recovery, which recognises the needs buts also the contribution of young people,” concluded Mr. Doorley.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Clodagh O’Brien, Communications Officer at NYCI on 087 781 4903 or 01 425 5955 or email communications@nyci.ie
Notes to Editors:
National Youth Council of Ireland
The National Youth Council of Ireland is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests of 55 voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.