Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Once again, employment has fallen this month. The current rate of unemployment, which stands at 14.8% and at 30% for young people under 25, shows no sign of moving downwards. More than 100 people per week are leaving Ireland, many of whom are young, which indicates that more than 30% of young people are unable to find a job in the State. I have been requesting a debate on youth unemployment since last December with the relevant Minister. I have asked for such a debate at least five times without proposing or pressing an amendment to the Order of Business. Each time, I have been told I would be facilitated but nearly a year later, with youth unemployment rates as high as ever, this House still has not had the chance to quiz the relevant Minister on her policy.

Senator Bacik mentioned an announcement made yesterday. Although Members read an extremely vague announcement in the newspapers concerning an action to tackle youth joblessness during Ireland's European Union Presidency next year, to state the details were lacking would be kind. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, was unable to indicate when the scheme could be delivered or how much it would cost. The closest Members got to an indication regarding this plan moving forward was detail on a meeting she intended to hold in February next year to push the plan. I consider this to be grossly unacceptable given that thousands more people will have emigrated. This government by announcement or by reading things in the newspaper is not good enough, especially as I have asked numerous times for the Minister to come into this House to discuss the issue. Consequently, today I will propose an amendment to the Order of Business calling on the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, to come into the House to explain the Government's policy in dealing with youth unemployment and the associated issue of emigration.

The last occasion on which we heard of an EU action on youth unemployment was when President Barroso announced he was sending an action to team Ireland. We all know that the result of this was of little consequence given Ireland had already spent its Structural Funds. However, we are all hopeful the current announcement will achieve results. The people of this state do not need another press release, they need action. The inability of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, to state thus far how much this will cost and how it will be delivered does not give hope to the people of Ireland. I am, therefore, proposing my amendment in the hope that the Leader will bring the Minister to the House.