Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD has expressed disappointment at the ineptitude of the current Government in curbing unemployment rates and ensuring that adequate employment opportunities exist in appropriate numbers.
The increase in Mayo’s live register over the past year has reached 35.2 per cent, meaning a total of 7,137 people are registered as unemployed, an unfortunate increase by any standards.
Deputy Kenny is aware that the number of people under the age of 25 on the unemployment register has shown the most worrying increase. Over the past year in Mayo, the number of people under 25 on the live register has increased by 52.6 per cent accounting for 1,573 young people in the county.
Dep Kenny said: “Over the last number of years the numbers of jobless that contacted me seeking assistance was relatively small, however, over the past year it has increased significantly and is now one of the most regular issues that is discussed with me. Unfortunately the Government is not doing enough to prevent this situation such as the restoration of competitiveness by reducing the cost of doing business and the cost of taking on new employees. As for those under the age of 25, the Government needs to wake up and realise they need an immediate strategy to alleviate the rising unemployment figures amongst younger people if it wants to avoid another brain drain.”
