National Organiser
Ógra Shinn Féin
In the 26 county Budget announced on the 11th of December job seekers allowance (means tested) for new applicants was cut to:
•To €100 for those aged 20-21 age.
• To €150 for those aged 22-24 years old.
The April 2009 emergency budget had already reduced the rate to €100 for those aged under 20.
This is just one in a long line of cuts affecting young people including cuts education and community services.
The track record of the government in terms of young people is far from enviable – they did their very best to introduce student fees, they inflicted enormous cuts in education, and on community services.
This Budget is surely the most scandalous and shocking example of this governments callous and short sighted disregard for young people.
Brian Lenihan spoke in terms of protecting the vulnerable, and of the young being the greatest resource we have. However the Government’s actions speak far louder than their words. They seem almost determined to cast an entire generation to the scrapheap, whilst they write blank checks for the Banks.
“The reduction of the jobseekers benefit will trap many in poverty and encourage more to emigrate, and the cuts to social welfare will inflict significant hardship on many Irish young people. These cuts are short sighted in the extreme, and the money saved is a pittance to the potential loss of young people to our workforce.
Brian Lenihan targeted the young unemployed, which constitutes some 25% of all young people, because he thought they would not fight back. We intend to prove him wrong.
It is up to us to provide a voice for those who will be affected by these cuts. All areas affected should mobilise against these cuts.
Get out with leaflets and go fly-postering, make your presence in the community visible and engage with people. Posters and leaflets templates have been distributed, if you have not received any, email ograsf@hotmail.com.
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