Young people are pleading for the government to reduce college fees and raise the national minimum wage for under-20s so they can afford to live in Ireland.
This comes after over 70 percent of young people aged 18-24 admitted that they are considering moving abroad because they think they would enjoy a better quality of life elsewhere. The National Youth Council of Ireland has expressed their concern regarding the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on young people in Ireland and is calling for action from the Government to prevent young people from moving abroad.
Their Director of Policy and Advocacy Paul Gordon said: “Unfortunately, an overwhelming majority feel a better quality-of-life can be achieved elsewhere. We’re concerned that unless young voices are heard in this Budget, many will choose to leave.
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“There is a real fear from young people about what the future holds for them. Many say they’re struggling to make ends meet and quality-of-life considerations are driving them to consider a future outside of Ireland. Government must act to ensure young people aren’t overlooked in this crisis.”
The National Youth Council of Ireland is calling on the Government to:
Reduce registration fees for those in college, higher education, or on apprenticeships
Raise the national minimum wage for under-20s to the same level as over-20s
Bring the rate of Jobseekers’ Allowance for under-25s in line with that of those over 25
Extend the Young Adult travel card to more young people
Increase government investment in youth work services in local communities
Mr Gordon said that the wider population was very supportive of policies intended to help young people.
He said: “It’s clear from this research that the general public recognises the large burden young people are facing and want to see them protected from the harshest impacts of the cost-of-living. There is strong support across all age groups for our proposals.
- 85 percent are in favour of reducing registration fees
- Almost 80 percent supportive of raising the minimum wage for under-20s and extending the Young Adult travel card to more young people
- 66 percent are in favour of increasing government spending on youth work
- More than 50 percent support raising Jobseekers’ Allowance for under-25s
“Our leaders need to show young people in Ireland that they are a valued part of society, and that they are not left out of the conversation on the cost-of-living," Mr Gordon concluded.
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