NYCI voice concern at number of long term unemployed aged under 25
The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has today voiced concern at the number of long term unemployed aged under 25. New figures released today (07.04.16) by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the number of those aged under 25 signing on the Live Register in March 2016 was 38,391. This represents a decrease of 1,393 compared to the February 2016 figure of 39,784.*
Concern at long-term unemployed young people
However, commenting on today’s figures James Doorley, NYCI deputy director said: “While we welcome the small reduction in young people signing on, we should all be concerned at the high number of long-term unemployed young people. The latest data from the Department of Social Protection indicate that 13,514 young people under 25 have been on the Live Register for one year or more.**
“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.”
Any new administration must make youth unemployment a priority
“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%,*** we are calling on all parties and independents engaged in these talks to make this issue one of the priorities for any new administration,” continued Mr Doorley.
Youth Guarantee Scheme
“We are also concerned that the Youth Guarantee scheme has fallen off the political agenda. The scheme is designed to ensure that any young person unemployed for four months or more is guaranteed a quality education, training or work experience place. A renewed emphasis on this valuable scheme, and the political will to implement it fully, is urgently needed,” concluded Mr Doorley.
Sources:
*Live Register: CSO statistical release, 07 April 2016
http://www.cso.ie/en/
** Parliamentary Questions Nos. 94 to 96, inclusive, answered with Question No. 91 http://oireachtasdebates.
Jobseeker’s Benefit
- Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit or jobseeker’s allowance or who are signing for credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5939/16]
- Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit or jobseeker’s allowance or who are signing for credits for 12 months or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5940/16]
Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the tabular statement.
Under 25’s on the live Register at the end of February 2016
| Scheme | Less than
1 Year |
Greater than 1 Year | Total |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | 18,599 | 13,436 | 32,035 |
| Jobseeker’s Benefit | 2,083 | 33 | 2,116 |
| Jobseeker’s Credits only | 150 | 45 | 195 |
| Totals | 20,832 | 13,514 | 34,346 |
Questions Nos. 94 to 96, inclusive, answered with Question No. 91.
***
CSO: Monthly unemployment, March:
http://www.cso.ie/en/