Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Donegal County Council to focus on youth unemployment crisis

Published: 8 February, 2010

Donegal County Council to focus on youth unemployment crisis

"One in four of Donegal's unemployed are under 25"- Cllr Mick Quinn

Sinn Féin county councillor for the Milford/ Letterkenny area, Mick Quinn speaking after this weeks meeting of Donegal County Council, thanked his fellow councillors for supporting his motion that the council co-ordinate a meeting of all the relevant agencies to address the crisis of unemployment amongst the under 25s across the county.

Cllr Quinn said:

"This is a major crisis within the county. One in four of the unemployed in Donegal are under the age of 25 and this is a profound challenge for so many families. The hardships facing these young people have significantly increased since last year's budget as those under 22 receive a weekly income of €100 and those from 23 to 25 now receive €150".

He continued:

"Our young people who did not create this economic mess need our support and whatever help we can give. If central Government are unwilling to address this crisis then Donegal County Council as the main political forum within the county needs to pull the relevant agencies such as FÁS, Donegal VEC, Donegal Enterprise Board, LYIT, and the employment agencies together with the aim of achieving possible and achievable solutions".

"All councillors in Donegal must continue to highlight at every opportunity the plight of our young people who are not a burden on society as the Government suggested in their cutbacks but who are in fact our greatest asset and our future".

ENDS