Irish EU presidency to focus on youth jobs

Ireland will use its presid-ency of the EU to fight the scourge of youth unemployment as it seeks to exit the bailout programme, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore pledged.

The Labour leader said the Irish presidency would do everything in its power to help young people who are out of work, including agreeing a package of measures with other EU members for those under 25.

Under the proposed agreement, young adults will be “guaranteed” a job offer, continued education or work experience within four months of leaving formal education or becoming unemployed.