Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection

Youth Guarantee: Department of Social Protection

1:45 pm

Mr. Paul Carroll:

That is in Ballymun. It is important to note that this is a particular scheme looking at particular issues involving a partnership of all of the key stakeholders. I am delighted that the committee had the opportunity to have a chat with Mick Creedon. He is an enormous asset. I can say that equally of all of the partners. We are getting tremendous support from business, from employers and from the education and training board. It is a wonderful and real and tangible partnership, not only people sat around a table. We all are totally committed to doing what we can to support those back into employment.

Notwithstanding the fact that we are awaiting legislative approval to be able to introduce a broader range of schemes, it is not only that things are happening in Ballymun. The committee might be aware that in February last we invited all of the young people in Swords to an event in IBAT. There were 400 young people on the live register in Swords and we provided opportunities with employers. It was a big event, with all of the employers in the area and with the education and training providers. It has been hugely successful. Some 27% of them are now in employment.