Opposition parties hit out at jobs initiative

Opposition parties have hitting out the measures contained in the Government's jobs initiative.

Sinn Féin said the proposals would not only fail to create employment, but had the potential to further depress consumer spending and lead to an increase in unemployment.

The party said the plan to roll out 20,900 new training places was a far cry from the 60,000 education, training and work placements promised by the Government parties during the election campaign.

Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Financial Sector Reform Michael McGrath said the initiative was too modest.

"There's the distinct lack of a jobs target," he said. "Also, the Government is cutting VAT on golf clubs and green fees...but not on gas or electricity and I think that will come as a disappointment to many people who are struggling to pay their bills."