Marian Harkin MEP reacted today to a European Commission report just published which outlines the latest EU employment situation.  

"The figures for Ireland do not make happy reading, Ireland's unemployment figures have risen again to above 13% for the period March to May this year.   This level is twice as high as in mid-2008 before the economic crisis. Ireland's youth unemployment figures at 27.9% in March 2010 are 7.3 percentage points above the EU average and paints a dismal future for young job seekers."

"The Irish Government must take decisive action immediately to introduce a coherent and brave employment strategy to address the current situation.  

I believe that there should be more support for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises.  Lifelong learning and quality education will help ensure a skilled and qualified labour force available to employers and so should also be promoted.   We have not yet seen all the effects of the current economic crisis, now is the time to act."