Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I note yesterday's CSO figures, which are encouraging and welcome, but the reality remains that since the Government took up office, 50,000 fewer people are in employment. In the 24 to 35 year old bracket, approximately 19,000 fewer are in employment, although many of them have emigrated. Last year's Action Plan for Jobs contained 333 recommendations but only five related to youth unemployment. Next year's action plan has seven themes, none of which targets youth unemployment. How big a part will the youth guarantee play in next year's action plan? I acknowledge the plan has not been ironed out and the details have not been published, but a significant pot of money is available from Europe to help our young people back into employment.

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