Seanad debates

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2013: Committee Stage

 

5:45 pm

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

-----who voted against the measure when it was introduced by a previous Government is now proposing to cut it even more and is criticising my party for its opposition.

She also said that I purport to speak for all young people. I speak for Sinn Féin and the people who vote for Sinn Féin but what I did do was quote to her questions that were put to me by the National Youth Council of Ireland, which does speak for young people. It said that the Government claims that existing welfare payments for those under 26 are a disincentive to work, and I outlined why it believes that is not the case. It said that the Government states that this decision will encourage young people to take up education, training and work experience opportunities but it says that is not the case. It goes on to point out the lack of availability of places. It says the Government claims it will bring in a youth guarantee that will be for everybody but it proved that when the allocation of funding, which is €14 million, is examined, that will not be the case.

I want to come back to a question on which the Minister might provide some additional information. She said that additional funding of €46 million is being made available for education and training but it is very difficult to get the breakdown from her. I will try once more.

Incidentally, I did not mention JobBridge in my last contribution, but I will raise it and JobsPlus now.

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