Govt urging unemployed youth to return to education

The Government hopes to tackle the increase in the number of young people signing on the dole by encouraging them to return to education.

The latest Live Register figures show that 48,000 people under the age of 25 are now looking for full-time work.

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin, says that thousands of young people could benefit from the Back to Education Allowance.

Ms Hanafin says it is vital that young people get the skills they need before seeking employment.