Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Employment is increasing across the country and will impact on all areas. There is also the important work being done under the regional action plans for jobs. The topics raised by the Deputies are for those regional plans and initiatives. Skills assessments and apprenticeship opportunities are being developed across the country.

The intergenerational issues that Deputy Niall Collins outlined are challenging, but access for young people in those families must be our focus. We are examining all of the issues around access to training programmes and skills. The strong approach being taken by the Department of Social Protection to activation plays an important role in work that will help those families and break the vicious cycle.

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