James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

Being young is not a safeguard against poverty. The Minister has pulled the rug from under many young people. I have received many telephone calls from young people in my constituency and outside it who are very well qualified, received a third level education and graduated but who cannot find employment. Many of them are in a dire situation because they are paying back debts incurred during their years of study. The Minister must protect those people who have done their utmost to find work. What this budget has done is morally wrong.

I would like to hear the Minister's views on reinstating the community employment schemes. They were a safety net for many people in bygone years.

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