Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Labour Force Report.

David Stanton

Question:

86 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the latest figures published by the International Labour Organisation contained in the world labour report and, in particular, the participation rates of the 15 to 24 age bracket [18190/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

The International Labour Organisation publication entitled Key Indicators of the Labour Market 1999 highlights, inter alia, participation rates for the working age population. In the case of 15 to 24 year olds for Ireland, it shows that the labour force participation rate has declined for this group from 60.0% in 1980, to 50.4% in 1990, and 45.5% in 1997.

Increased educational participation has been a key factor which has influenced labour market trends in youth participation rates. The significant increase in total numbers of young persons engaged in education is an extremely positive outcome given the strong correlation between educational attainment and labour market success. Research confirms, as do the annual second-level school leavers' surveys published by my Department, that employment increases with higher educational attainment. In addition, as shown by the most recent 1998 school leaver survey, the unemployment rate of those with no qualifications are five to seven times higher than school leavers who have attained the leaving certificate. On a further positive note, the survey charts the substantial increase in the proportion of school leavers opting to delay their entry into the labour market and continue further studies. This proportion has progressively increased over the period since the 1980s, rising from 21% in 1980 to approximately 39% in 1998.

Thus, in line with greater educational retention, labour market participation rates have declined. This is a very positive aspect for the individuals concerned and for the Irish labour market given the need for a highly educated workforce to meet the needs of a modern well-developed economy.