Youth Unemployment

Oral Answers to Questions – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:00 pm on 29 September 2014.

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Photo of Barry McElduff Barry McElduff Sinn Féin 3:00, 29 September 2014

7. asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for his assessment of the current rate of youth unemployment and the impact it is having on net migration. (AQO 6701/11-15)

Photo of Stephen Farry Stephen Farry Alliance

Youth unemployment remains a major challenge in Northern Ireland, in common with other parts of these islands and elsewhere in Europe.  Almost one third of those who are unemployed fall within the 18- to 24-year-old age group.  The challenge is being proactively addressed by my Department and the wider Executive.  Responses include the youth employment scheme and the Pathways to Success strategy.  Wider reforms including the review of careers, the new strategy on apprenticeships and the forthcoming new youth training system will all help to reduce the incidences of youth unemployment in the future.

The situation around youth unemployment no doubt causes young people to reflect upon their future opportunities.   The statistics collected do not fully capture the internal and external movements of young people.  Figures produced by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency give an indication around long-term migration flows.  In 2012-13, 7,700 18- to 24-year-olds left Northern Ireland and 5,900 came in — a net outward migration of 1,800 or 1% of that age group.  In 2000-2001 when youth unemployment was much lower, 5,700 18- to 24-year-olds left Northern Ireland and 4,000 came in — a net outward migration of 1,700 individuals or, again, around 1% of that age group.

Photo of Mitchel McLaughlin Mitchel McLaughlin Sinn Féin 3:15, 29 September 2014

That is the end of the time for listed questions.  We now move on to topical questions.