Ms Jean McCabe:

A study by the UCD school of psychology highlighted that 40% of young Irish adults reported depression levels outside the national norm. A study done in the UK showed that teenagers who worked part-time were 33% less likely to suffer from depression by the age of 25. A Growing Up in Ireland study from 2022 found that teenagers who worked part-time were 28% less likely to report feelings of social isolation. Apart from the sub-minimum rates being used as a tool to manage the cost base of an SME, and it is difficult for many businesses right now, my concern is that there is a much bigger picture to comprehend, namely, the impact of this on the availability of jobs for youth workers. This has a real impact on their well-being, life skills and the competitiveness and productivity of Ireland. It is hard to find data that shows that the opportunity for youth workers being diminished is bad for their long-term outcome.