Sir, -Looking at all the Dáil exchanges on cost-of-living, you would think one cohort seems to be doing quite well for themselves. No financial problems, no need for a package of supports; just tipping along nicely.
Researchers should perhaps examine this phenomenon. When calls rise to “think about the ordinary working person”, young people are being largely neglected. Income adequacy for young people? Oh no, we aren’t convinced about that, hushed voices mutter.
Perhaps we should invest in figuring out why they don’t need protecting from the cost-of-living crisis? Do they not have expenses? Are families with teenagers and young adults insulated from increased costs like some sort of force field?
Or is perceived youth apathy and an institutional indifference actually the problem? More voices should come forward across the political spectrum to call out age discrimination in jobseekers allowance and minimum wage too, rather than just rolling out the refrain of the “ordinary working person”.
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Young people matter too. With two byelections on the horizon at the end of the month, political parties would do well to remember that. – Yours, etc,
Kathryn Walsh,
Ballyjamesduff,
Co Cavan.
