The Chairperson of County Wexford
Sinn Féin has called for the extension of the retirement age to be reversed. Oisin O' Connell said the policy is actively
keeping young people out of work, particularly in the public service.
“The extension of the retirement
age was a mistake,” Mr O' Connell said.
“It has been dressed up as an economic necessity when really it is
keeping the group with the highest unemployment levels, our youth, out of
work.”
“Youth unemployment in this state
is currently running at close to 30%, double the overall rate. Latest figures show that almost a third of
males aged between 20 and 24 are out of work.
150,000 young people under the age of 25 have emigrated since 2008. Something has to be done now to stop this.”
“Sinn Féin is calling for the
reversal of the extension to the retirement age. This coupled with other progressive measures
could tackle the youth unemployment epidemic.
Under 25s are currently banned from CE schemes. This should be changed immediately.”
“The BOOST and RYE programmes
which have proved successful north of the border should be extended and made
available in the south. These programmes
aim to develop business potential and increase skills among vulnerable 16-30
year olds in rural areas. These projects
should be made all-Ireland as soon as possible.”
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment