Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, said that the publication of the updated live register figures, which indicate an increase in  long-term unemployment and a rise in part-time and casual workers, was a stark reminder of the crisis that Ireland and rest of Europe are facing.

Crowe was speaking after attending the publication and launch of a report on youth unemployment by his party colleague Senator Kathryn Reilly

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“While the reduction of 2,500 on the live register is to be welcomed, it must be viewed in the context of continuing high emigration particularly in the under 25 years of age category.

“The live register figures also show an increase in part-time and casual workers and the continued increase in long term unemployment which is worrying and reflects the pattern of previous figures.

“The national picture does not reflect the jobs situations in communities across the state with some estates having an unemployment rate of over 40%.

“The fact is that the unemployment rate has not reduced by even 1% since this government came to power, despite record emigration levels.

“It is clear, even to the most naïve observer, that the policies of this government are undermining the domestic economy and stunting economic growth. Only yesterday we heard of over 2,000 potential job losses in Hewlett Packard and Ulster Bank.

“It is our citizens who are paying the cost for the continued failure of government policy and Australia and other nations that are benefiting from the educated labour of our young people.

“The government needs to stimulate the economy to grow, to support investment in business, and to help get people back to work.

“One way they can do this is to create a robust and well-funded State wide youth guarantee scheme, which would promise that a person under the age of 25 will be guaranteed a job, education, training or an apprenticeship within a short period of time after leaving school or becoming unemployed.

“A high quality scheme that receives adequate investment, is accessible to all, targets those in greatest need, and works in the interests of young people can help address youth unemployment and in turn boost social and economic recovery. All this is outlined in the report my party Senator Kathryn Reilly has created

“A youth guarantee on its own will not completely solve the unemployment problem here, but it can certainly have a positive affect and reduce unemployment.

“It is something the government urgently needs to take on board and implement.”
ENDS