Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has called on the Government to produce a job-creation strategy before the autumn.
“It should particularly address the needs of the long-term unemployed and the huge number of young people out of work,’’ he added.
Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Gilmore said half of those out of work were unemployed on a long-term basis. The number of unemployed young people was not socially sustainable, he said, adding that one-in-three of the labour force was between 20 and 24 years.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the Government had many job-activation programmes in place. Recently, he added, €40 million was allocated to the Leader fund to create more jobs in rural communities.
“I would also refer to the fact that, last week, we announced a €20 million activation fund to ensure we assist the young unemployed further,’’ he added. “We have significant funding for the Fás organisation which is providing training and job-placement schemes.’’
Earlier, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the commission of inquiry into the banking crisis should include policy decisions made by the Government.
Mr Cowen said the draft terms of reference put forward by the Government were in line with the recommendation set out in the banking reports.