UNEMPLOYMENT RATES almost doubled among young people in Ireland between 2008 and 2009, according to new statistics from the European Commission. The figures from the statistical office Eurostat revealed the unemployment rate among 15-24-year-olds in 2008 was 12.7 per cent, a figure that rose to 24.2 per cent last year.
Ireland had a higher than average rate of unemployment for under-25s last year, when the average for the 27 European Union member states was 19.9 per cent. In 2008, Ireland’s rate was lower than the 15.6 per cent average.
Labour Youth claimed the figures highlighted “the extent to which Fianna Fáil has betrayed the young people of Ireland”. In a statement, the youth wing of the Labour Party said unemployment among young people had “sky rocketed” between 2008 and 2009.
Labour Youth also called for the protection of investment in education at all levels, “even in times of such economic uncertainty”.
The youth unemployment figures are broadly in line with unemployment data, the overall rate in Ireland rising from 6 per cent in 2008 to 11.7 per cent last year.
