Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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295. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the discussion he has had at the Laureate International Universities Forum on the European Youth Employment Crisis: creating a road map to Employment held in the Universidad Europea, Madrid, Spain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25873/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Laureate Summit on Youth and Jobs was held on 20 May in Madrid. The event was organised by Laureate International Universities, and included a number of speakers including His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias, former US President Bill Clinton, Government Ministers from Germany, Cyprus and Spain and representatives of enterprise, education and students. I participated with the other Ministers on a panel focusing on the responses of governments to youth unemployment. I briefed the participants on the Irish Government's education and training initiatives, including as part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2013, which focus on increasing the alignment of the education and training system with labour market needs, addressing skills gaps and targeting youth and long-term unemployment. I also highlighted the focus which the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union has placed on jobs, stability and growth.