Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I reserve a special mention for Donnycarney. There are young people with excellent potential throughout this city and this country. We must ensure they have opportunities to avail of employment and thereby secure the future of the State. If we get them on board, they will pay their taxes and look after our senior citizens. The pensions issue will thereby become null and void.

I welcome the debate on this legislation. Any effective type of reform is deserving of support. I urge the Minister of State to take every opportunity for creating employment and implementing feasible new ideas, particularly from young people. The Government must place a special focus on youth unemployment and work to tackle the huge crisis we are facing in that regard. It is not acceptable that up to 30% of young people in this country are out of work, and 6.5 million across the European Union. I hope the Minister of State will take on board the issues I have raised.

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