Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have just come from the Youth Work Changes Lives showcase in the Mansion House where the Minister, Deputy Zappone, addressed the crowd. The Minister concluded her remarks referencing how proud the First Dáil would be of the young people in Ireland today. The youth population is growing and their needs and aspirations are changing. They have expectations in areas such as equality, social justice, the rights of women and on the abortion issue. GCN conducted a poll of 565 young people between the ages of 13 and 24 and 85% of individuals stated they wanted to repeal the eighth amendment, 10% did not know and 5% would vote "No". Some change is inevitable. I wonder, however, can Ireland move to a place of economic equality that supports our young people to prosper to achieve their full potential. Employment, education, social protection supports, housing and mental health are all issues raised by organisations under the umbrella of the National Youth Council of Ireland today. Their message, in the Mansion House this morning, was invest in our youth population and value their place in society.

Eleven thousand young people are long-term unemployed. Mental health waiting lists are up 40% on last summer. The poverty rate among young people is double the overall rate and 800 of those who are homeless are between the ages of 18 and 24. We have to move to a place where young people have housing as of right, and have to respond to that right.

In the NYCI pre-budget submission, the total investment requested was €153 million, all aimed at enhancing youth work services, halving long-term youth unemployment, equality for young jobseekers, tackling youth homelessness and greater investment in mental health supports. The youth population will increase by 11.6% by 2025. Investment in young people would not only make a difference now but would generate a social and economic dividend in the coming decade. One million young people will live in this State come 2025.

I would encourage all Senators to visit the Mansion House. The atmosphere is electric and young people are there to tell their own stories. I would encourage all Senators to attend.