Funding Proposal Asset To Youth Employment - Prendergast
Labour MEP, for Munster, is pleased with the announcement that the European Council proposes to set aside €6 billion for Youth Employment Schemes, under the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Youth Unemployment remains high across Europe and dealing with the issue is central to our economic growth and social sustainability. In Ireland, youth unemployment is almost 32%, with 61,000 young people unemployed.
Speaking this afternoon, Ms Prendergast said, “I am delighted that progress is being made to tackle the issue of youth unemployment. The investment will be a benefit to member states most affected by youth unemployment. There are currently 5.7 million young people unemployed in Europe, and a further 1.5 million in precarious jobs. In Spain and Greece, youth unemployment rates are greater than 50%.
“Under the Europe 2020 strategy, member states have been advised to put into practice a Youth Guarantee to ensure that all young people are in a job, further education or training programmes within four months of leaving school. It is great that the EU has proposed to pledge €6 billion to assist Member States where youth unemployment exceeds 25%.
Ms Prendergast also commended the steps taken at home to tackle youth unemployment, “Minister Burton and Department of Social Protection, have been working very hard on behalf of our young people. As part of the presidency, Minister Burton is committed to ensuring that the Council Recommendation on a Youth Guarantee can be agreed at the formal Ministers’ Council on 28 February.
“Additionally, the proposed MFF includes a modest budget for Competitiveness and Innovation Strategies and Connecting Europe Strategies, which are integral to EU growth and jobs, in the future.
“My only concern is that, the EU takes seriously the lasting effects unemployment can have on a person. Being unemployed from a young age can be quite upsetting and can negatively impact a person’s psyche, as it hampers their chances of securing long-term employment in the future. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and we must ensure funding goes to targeted, well thought-out programmes.
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Thursday 23 May 2013
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