20 Nov 2011

The Youth of Ireland

The economic crisis has hit the youth of Ireland like a tsunami. During the Celtic Tiger young people had an abundance of options. Third level education was affordable with low registration fees, there were plenty of apprenticeships in many sectors in part due to the booming construction and motor sectors. The retail industry was also performing well providing both full time and part time work for many young people.

Ireland today is like a desert for the youth of Ireland with thousands trying to compete for the mirage of jobs that the Government like to think exist. The affluent days of the Celtic Tiger have being replaced with austerity, with negative consequences for all. Third level registration fees have doubled, the amount of apprenticeships has dramatically declined due to the collapse of the construction sector and many retail jobs have disappeared because of the depressed state of the domestic economy.

The employment prospects for the under 25’s in Ireland is dim to say the least.  The youth unemployment rate in Ireland is close to 30%. The under 25’s find it difficult to compete for jobs because of their lack of work experience compared to older workers with a long employment history. A lot of workers approaching retirement are now working longer because their pension pots have being rapidly reduced. This is making it even more difficult for young people to find employment.   

The government both past and present has unfairly targeted young people when looking for cuts. The dole has being reduced to €150 a week for under 25’s and a €100 a week for under 20’s. Those who are under 25 also have their dole means tested which results in lower payments for many of those in receipt of unemployment assistance.

Ireland is once again witnessing a flight of young people from the country. This may have worked in the past, but with a growing grey population and an increasing retirement bill, young people are needed to pay the pensions bill of the future. 

It is time that people in Ireland realised that young people are the solution to this economic crisis and not part of the problem like many in Ireland believe.  




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