asked the Minister for Labour the steps he is taking to create job opportunities for young people, particularly school leavers, in the south Tipperary area; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Job Opportunities.
482.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the question of creating job opportunities for young people in the south Tipperary area is part of the overall plan for the country as a whole. The problem of youth unemployment is one that is causing grave concern and the Government had full regard to it in formulating the measures to improve employment prospects generally and the specific measures taken to aid youth.
The Government since assuming office on 5th July, 1977, have given priority to the implementation of the short-term job creation programme outlined in its election manifesto, which includes the expenditure of £20 million on youth projects to yield 5,000 new jobs. A Cabinet subcommittee was specially set up to deal with this.
The question of job creation will be a central element in the Government's proposed White Paper on National Development 1977-80, which it is hoped to publish by the end of the year.
In so far as my direct area of responsibility as Minister for Labour is concerned, an employment action Team, which is representative of the Government and the social partners and other interested organisations, has been established to promote employment schemes for school leavers and other young people.
I have, in addition, extended the employment incentive scheme to include employments in the hotel and catering industry, the services sector and the building industry. I felt that its extension to these areas would benefit young people particularly and with this in mind, I also increased the premium from £10 to £14. I increased similarly the premium payable under the apprentice re-employment programme in respect of redundant apprentices taken into employment; to date 33 employers in south Tipperary have submitted applications in respect of 76 workers under the employment incentive scheme.
Young people also benefit very significantly under the AnCO training programmes. Some 70 per cent of the trainees on normal courses are under the age of 25. In addition, AnCO operate the community youth training programme for young people and it is hoped, allowing for some difficulties which arose in the earlier part of the year, that 80 per cent of the initial target of 90,000 man days on suitable projects will be reached by the end of the year. At present 59 school leavers from south Tipperary are undergoing training in the AnCO training centre in Waterford or on community youth training projects.