12 February 1998 Edition
Urgent action needed for unemployed in Limerick
By Marcas Mac Ruairí
THE Sinn Féin candidate in the Limerick East by-election has called for urgent steps to be taken to deal with the high unemployment levels in the constituency.
Highlighting the plight of the unemployed, Jenny Shapland said, ``There are areas in Limerick, such as the sprawling Moyross and South Hill estates, which suffer 70% unemployment.
``The hopelessness this situation has created has in turn led to social deprivation resulting in youth turning to a life of crime. For these areas the economy of the Celtic Tiger is a myth.
``Local employment co-operatives such as Moyross Employment Cooperative has consistently worked hard to tackle the problem and they should be commended for their efforts in finding both schemes and proper jobs for the unemployed.''
Shapland said, however, that a comprehensive strategy to tackle the problem and take Limerick into the new millennium is required.
``There is a need for major employers, relevant government departments and educational and training agencies to join with local communities in developing training schemes which will provide real skills.''
She continued, ``Priority should be given to the long term unemployed who should be offered training constructed to give them confidence and motivation.
``Training should be geared to provide the relevent skills which will open access the jobs that are coming on stream in Limerick. It is only through such training that security in employment can be assured.
``Moreover,'' she added, ``it is only through the implementation of the minimum wage as advocated by the ICTU that people will be encouraged away from the dole dependency which has been created by a history unemployment being passed down through the generations.''
THE Sinn Féin candidate in the Limerick East by-election has called for urgent steps to be taken to deal with the high unemployment levels in the constituency.
Highlighting the plight of the unemployed, Jenny Shapland said, ``There are areas in Limerick, such as the sprawling Moyross and South Hill estates, which suffer 70% unemployment.
``The hopelessness this situation has created has in turn led to social deprivation resulting in youth turning to a life of crime. For these areas the economy of the Celtic Tiger is a myth.
``Local employment co-operatives such as Moyross Employment Cooperative has consistently worked hard to tackle the problem and they should be commended for their efforts in finding both schemes and proper jobs for the unemployed.''
Shapland said, however, that a comprehensive strategy to tackle the problem and take Limerick into the new millennium is required.
``There is a need for major employers, relevant government departments and educational and training agencies to join with local communities in developing training schemes which will provide real skills.''
She continued, ``Priority should be given to the long term unemployed who should be offered training constructed to give them confidence and motivation.
``Training should be geared to provide the relevent skills which will open access the jobs that are coming on stream in Limerick. It is only through such training that security in employment can be assured.
``Moreover,'' she added, ``it is only through the implementation of the minimum wage as advocated by the ICTU that people will be encouraged away from the dole dependency which has been created by a history unemployment being passed down through the generations.''