Derek McDowell
Ceist:79 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is concerned at the recent worrying trends in youth unemployment. [4088/98]
Written Answers. - Youth Unemployment.
It is not clear to me what trends the Deputy is referring to.
Based on both the labour force survey and the live register the unemployment rate for young persons under 25 is falling. Based on the labour force survey — International Labour Office — measure, the numbers unemployed fell by 7.6 per cent in the 12 months to mid-April 1997.
More recent indicators based on the live register also reveal the improving position for persons under 25. In the 12 months to January 1998, there has been a cumulative fall of over 10,000 in the numbers under 25 signing on the live register. This reduction of over 16 per cent compares with the national average fall, for all persons signing on, of 8.3 per cent over the same period.
The most recent Central Statistics Office data for registered long-term unemployment "The Age by Duration Analysis of the Live Register"— shows that the rate of fall of persons under 25 out of work for one year or more, at 25 per cent, was significantly faster than the national average fall, of 14 per cent.
These positive indicators are further supported by results of the most recent school leavers survey published in December 1997 which revealed a continuation of the improvement in the employment prospects of school leavers with employment levels rising considerably and unemployment levels falling.
The fact that the trends are positive does not make us complacent. I would hope in particular that the tax initiative for long-term unemployed and the increase in the PRSI allowance from £80 to £100 per week introduced in the budget will encourage young people to take up available jobs.
Last year the number of people at work in the Irish economy grew by 41,000. The numbers at work will grow by at least the same amount this year and the unemployment rate will fall further. These are positive times for young persons who are looking for employment.