Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister cannot seriously claim that young jobseekers have the capacity to absorb a €44 cut in their core weekly welfare rate. What poverty-proofing was undertaken of this measure, instead of allowing the Minister to heap hardship on young people and their families? Is she aware that the consequences of her actions will be increased homelessness for young people and emigration? The saving in respect of the cut in jobseeker’s allowance amounts to €32 million which will affect 14,000 people, yet funding under the youth guarantee will only be a measly €14 million. How does this add up? Will the Minister give me a bankable commitment, not one of those wishy-washy ones she gave earlier on child care, that she will provide an additional 14,000 places in education and training for the young jobseekers in question as a response to this cut in their social welfare rates?

See this speech in context