Campaign For A Youth Guarantee

Emer Costello MEP, John Lyons TD and Labour Youth have commented ahead of their public seminar on the campaign for a Youth Guarantee.

The Youth Guarantee is a European campaign which would offer every young person a job, further education or work-focused training at the latest four months after leaving education or after becoming unemployed.

Dublin Labour MEP Emer Costello said: "It is critical that European resources are marshalled to reduce youth unemployment. The Youth Guarantee is already a proven success in Austria, and is currently being implemented across other EU Member States. While this event is aimed at increasing awareness in Ireland of the Youth Guarantee, I also plan to hold further discussions with the European Commission in coming weeks about potential funding avenues."

Dublin North-West Deputy John Lyons said:"With unemployment at 30% among those aged under 25, youth unemployment in Ireland needs to be tackled as a matter of priority.

"The Government is working to rebuild our economy by creating jobs and opportunities in Ireland. By introducing a 'Youth Guarantee' we could complement this work by ensuring that all our unemployed young people are given options - in work, education or job-related training - to allow them unlock their potential and realise their ambitions. I will be working with my colleague Emer Costello MEP and Labour Youth to build on our campaign to introduce this guarantee and help turn the tide on youth unemployment."

(CD)