Written Answers. - Youth Unemployment.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:
33
Mr. E. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Enterprise and Employment
the action, if any, he intends taking based on the FÁS study contrasting the Irish system with Scottish job training which showed that almost three times as many Irish school-leavers ultimately end up unemployed.
[2924/97]
The study referred to by the Deputy relates to independent research conducted by researchers from the ESRI and the University of Edinburgh entitled School to Work Transitions in Ireland and Scotland, 1979-89. While the study was not commissioned by FÁS, it was published in its twice-yearly journal Labour Market Review, which is produced by FÁS to assist understanding of the Irish labour market.
The study showed that in 1991, about 15 per cent of Irish school leavers were unemployed, compared to about 8 per cent of Scottish school leavers. While the percentage was higher in Ireland, there was, as the study itself points out, "a very sharp decline in Scottish unemployment levels between 1987 and 1989" which, "in part, reflects economic recovery but, also, changes in the benefit rules which resulted in the withdrawal of unemployment benefits to under 18's".
The study highlights the problems of drawing conclusions on employment levels based on the results of annual school leavers surveys in Ireland and Scotland, which are undertaken nine to 12 months after the students have left school. It is made clear that, for accurate judgments to be made, it would be necessary to assess the position of school leavers several years after they have left school. One issue the study is clear on, however, is the link between educational disadvantage and unemployment.
In relation to the position in this country, I am glad to say that the level of youth unemployment has fallen significantly in recent years due to increasing employment creation and Government measures to provide further opportunities for young people, both in the education sector and in State training programmes. Despite this progress, however, youth unemployment has remained at an unacceptable level, particularly among early school leavers. The latest school leavers survey shows that, in 1995, around 13,000 young people left the education system with no qualification or just a junior certificate.
The Deputy will also be aware of the recently-published NESF report No. 11 on Early School Leavers and Youth Unemployment, which analysis the issue from a wide perspective, and which puts forward a framework for an effective policy response. The Government has carefully considered this report, and has decided to establish an interdepartmental working group to examine the feasibility, implications and costs of implementing the forum's recommendations against the background of existing policies, and to develop a clear framework, including targets, for dealing with the overall issue. The working group will be submitting an interim report by 31 March.
Finally, and without prejudice to the outcome of the working group's findings, the Government is already employing a number of measures to provide appropriate levels of education and training to these young people, with the ultimate objective of enhancing their prospects of employment. These actions include: increasing the retention level in second-level senior cycle to 90 per cent by 2000; developing the Youthreach programme for early school leavers; priority targeting of programmes for 18-19 year old unemployed; developing a traineeship programme for young entrants to the labour market; developing the new standards-based apprenticeship system, and providing appropriate certification which will encourage and facilitate progression to further education and training and, ultimately, into employment.
