Young people are bearing the brunt of recent Government actions
September 9th 2009
Ireland’s youth want regeneration not emigration!
Recent changes to policy and a number of proposals outlined in the McCarthy and other reports by the Government have angered and frustrated young people. While we acknowledge the current economic crisis in Ireland and abroad, the Government appears to be doing very little to support and retain young people in Ireland.
“When it comes to young people, the overall Government policy appears designed to encourage emigration rather than regeneration. We need to realise that young people will respond if they are inspired and supported and that they can be key drivers of economic and social renewal,” stated Mary Cunningham, Director at the National Youth Council of Ireland.
One of the key issues affecting young people currently is unemployment.
· In the past 2 years the numbers of young people that are unemployed under the age of 25 has soared by 173%[1]
· Ireland has the 2nd highest level of unemployment among young men (18-24) in Western Europe (26.5%)[2]
Despite this all we have got from Government or Government commissioned reports are:
· The halving of the Job Seekers Allowance for those of 18-19 years (from €204 to €100)
· Proposal in the McCarthy report to cut job seekers allowance for those aged 20-24 years report by 25% (from €204 to €150)
· Proposal to cut the minimum wage (previous studies show that 66% of those on minimum wage are under 25)
· Funding to youth services cut by 10%
· Proposal to introduce third level fees/student loans
· Failure to curb interest rate increases by taxpayer supported banks
· Indications from Government that future of mortgage interest relief for first time buyers is in doubt
· Proposal to introduce night time curfews on young drivers
“The above mentioned recent cuts and regressive proposals will only serve to further isolate and hinder young people in terms of accessing education and gaining employment and will do little to stimulate our economy or revive our shattered confidence. The Irish Government needs to provide leadership, direction and take positive and concrete action. The needs of young people should be a priority as they hold the key to the future revival of our country,” concluded Ms. Cunningham
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.
[1] Quarterly Household Survey, July 2009 Central Statistics Office
[2] Eurostat News Release on Youth Unemployment July 23rd 2009