USI calls on Senators to reject social welfare cuts for young unemployed

Students are calling on Senators to vote against the budget cuts affecting young people.

The Social Welfare Bill, which will allow for a reduction to the Jobseekers Allowance, will be debated in the Seanad next week. It has already been passed by the Dáil.

Students are being urged to attend an event at Liberty Hall in Dublin on November 9 to discuss the issues facing young people.

Photo stunt outside Seanad Eireann 'Which side are you on'@TheUSI @WNLIreland @ictuyouth @YoungWorkersNet @SpunOut pic.twitter.com/LCGOJPyddQ

— Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (@amle_ie) November 1, 2013

Joe O'Connor, the President of the Union of Students in Ireland, took part in a minor protest outside Leinster House.

"Today is to depict the reality of the situation facing young people", he said. "Surrounded by rejected job applications, they're now being forced to live off €100 per week or being forced to emigrate and leave the country.

"We're calling on the Senators who are going to be debating the social welfare bill next week that they go on the side of the young people, not the side of the people who made this decision."