Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that non-Government motion No. 10 be taken today with the Minister for Social Protection. The motion calls on the Minister to amend the criteria for community employment schemes and extend it to under 25s. We all know the massive contribution that community employment schemes make to our local communities and the enormous benefits for their participants. There are exceptions already where under 25s can participate in some schemes. However, such is the scale of youth unemployment - it stands at 30% and does not include those who have left the State - that a change of criteria is required. The schemes were originally established to target the long-term unemployed and other specific groups, such as Travellers.

At this time, when there is such high youth unemployment and when 45% of those under 25 who are jobless are long-term unemployed, we need to amend our existing labour market policies to reflect the changing landscape of unemployment. We need to use whatever resources we have to tackle youth unemployment. The use of community employment schemes would be a valuable measure and would be part of a much broader range of policy actions that could make an impact on our scandalously high level of youth unemployment. Will the Leader accept this amendment and take the motion today?