Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
296. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the progress report of the Limerick regeneration framework published in December 2016 that, of 32 electoral divisions in Limerick city, 11 have a youth unemployment rate of 60% or more; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7321/17]
View answerThe youth unemployment statistics quoted for the Limerick electoral divisions relate to 2011, and are drawn from the Census carried out in that year.
Strictly comparable data will be available only when the full small-area results of Census 2016 are published. However, an indication of trends in youth unemployment in Limerick since 2011 is available from the Live Register. The number of young people signing on in Limerick City, and included in the Live Register, has fallen by over 60%, from 2,853 in January 2011 to 1,080 in January 2017.
The 2011 figures mentioned, together with other relevant data, provided an indication of the scale of social and economic disadvantage in the areas of the city that were to be covered in the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan launched in late 2013. The Implementation Plan, envisaged a significant works programme comprising of physical works as well as economic and social initiatives, all with the aim of improving the lives of people living in the Regeneration communities and in the wider city areas.
My cabinet colleague, Minister Coveney launched the Review of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan in Limerick on 9 December 2016. The review of the Plan is an important milestone which examines progress across a number of thematic areas including youth unemployment using common socio-economic indicators.
Amongst the actions being supported under the overall Regeneration programme are precise actions to support work training and skills development focused on addressing youth unemployment. Training for residents in new work skills and investment in community and social enterprises and in strategic projects has resulted in over 300 jobs. The regeneration-supported Hospitality Education and Training Centre in Roxboro has achieved an exceptional 85% placement rate from the training course that finished recently and of some 250 full and part-time jobs that have been secured to date, 220 went to people from the regeneration areas.
Investment in school services, community centres, family support and youth work and activities for young people, have supported increased attendance at schools, a reduction in early school leaving and higher numbers going on to third level education which will all ultimately help improve levels of youth unemployment. A dedicated resource for economic development in regeneration areas has been established within Limerick City and County Council to provide a focal point for Community Enterprise, Agencies and the private sector and drive forward the key recommendations of the Review. The next phase of economic development will concentrate on projects of scale that will become city wide catalysts for economic development and ensure a sector-focused skills training approach and include replication of the successful model employed for the Hospitality Education & Training Centre.
At national level, the Government’s primary strategy to tackle unemployment – including youth unemployment – is twofold. The Action Plan for Jobs support continuing strong economic recovery and employment growth. Policies and actions to ensure that unemployed people benefit from the increase in employment are set out in the strategy paper Pathways to Work 2016-2020.
To date, these policies have been effective in reducing youth unemployment. Youth unemployment is generally higher than adult unemployment in all EU member states – because, at any time, a large number of young people are recent leavers from education and seeking a first job. However, the most recent data show that Irish youth unemployment has fallen from a peak of 31.1% in 2012 to 14.5% in December 2016. Irish youth unemployment has thus fallen from well above the EU average in 2012 (23%) to well below the current EU figure of 18.8%.
Policy continues to focus on support for the young unemployed. Under the Youth Guarantee process there is monthly engagement by case officers with unemployed young people to assist them to prepare and implement personal progression plans for employment. Where young people do not find work quickly, additional supports are offered through places on employment and training schemes.
I am confident that these current and planned measures will support further reductions in youth unemployment, nationally as well as in Limerick.
