‘Lost generation’ fears over 123% increase in young on dole

IRELAND could be facing a “lost generation” as latest figures reveal a staggering 123% hike in people aged between 25 and 34 receiving the dole.

Data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows an increase of 166,452 (113.4%) in short-term claimants on the Live Register in the year to April 2009.

This represented more than 88% of the total increase in the numbers receiving jobseekers’ allowance over the year. Almost three-quarters of this short-term increase occurred between October 2008 and April 2009.