Jobs Committee to discuss unemployment with representatives from ICTU, Social Justice Ireland and NUI Maynooth

Paul Sweeney and Peter Rigney from ICTU, Fr Seán Healy from Social Justice Ireland and Dr Mary Murphy of NUI Maynooth will address the Committee at its meeting tomorrow at 9.30am in Committee Room 3, Leinster House.

Chairman of the Committee Deputy Damien English said: “The Committee is undertaking a study on unemployment, with a particular emphasis on youth unemployment. Thousands of people in this country have lost their jobs in recent years and many people who worked all of their lives are now finding themselves without work, a position they never expected to be in. We know that many young people leaving school and college are finding it difficult to find a job for the first time, again something they never expected to happen when they set out on their studies.

To deal with a problem, you first have to quantify it. While the unemployment register is just one measure of those without jobs, it fails to gauge the pain of job loss and tell the human story behind the figures. Therefore, the Committee is seeking submissions on the issue from interested groups and individuals. As well as welcoming written submissions, we are looking forward to further engagements with groups with an interest in this subject.

We are looking forward to our meeting tomorrow with Paul Sweeney and Peter Rigney from ICTU, Fr Seán Healy from Social Justice Ireland and Dr Mary Murphy of NUI Maynooth to get their perspectives on unemployment and to hear their suggestions on what further measures can be taken to tackle this problem and what new measures they feel can have the best impact on what continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the country and our people.”

On Thursday, 19th April, Chief Executive of Glen Dimplex Ireland will appear before the Committee to discuss the issue of unemployment and youth unemployment.

Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o

For further information please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education

Membership

Damien English, TD (Chairman)
Ray Butler, TD
Áine Collins, TD
Joan Collins, TD
Michael Conaghan, TD
Barry Cowen, TD
Seán Crowe, TD
Tom Fleming, TD
Brendan Griffin, TD
John Halligan, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Anthony Lawlor, TD
John Lyons, TD
Nicky McFadden, TD
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD
Willie O’Dea, TD
Brendan Ryan, TD
Brendan Smith, TD
Peadar Tóibín, TD

Senators

Deirdre Clune,
John Kelly,
Michael Mullins,
Marie Louise O’Donnell,
Averil Power,
Feargal Quinn