Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has refused to be drawn on a Department of Social Protection document indicating key changes are required in the youth initiative on jobs and education.
The Irish Times revealed today that the unpublished document said the changes would be required in light of scarce resources including funding and training places.
It was raised in the Dáil this afrternoon by Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, who said it showed the Government would not keep its commitments.
The Louth TD added that the Government was putting a “miserly €260’’ into the pockets of each of the young people hoping to avail of the scheme.
“This youth guarantee scheme is woefully inadequate,’’ Mr Adams added. “It actually encourages youth emigration.’’
Mr Gilmore did not refer to the Department of Social Protection document in his reply.
Outlining the various steps taken by the Governmdent to deal with youth unemployment, he said that the Government had made it a priority. “And we are, happily seeing some progress being made,’’ he added.