Madam, – I refer to Seán Flynn’s report (Home News and Opinion, August 28th) on the cutbacks in education and the negative effects it will have across a wide spectrum of educational needs. I appreciate the Government has to concentrate its immediate efforts on addressing our banking and budgetary problems. However, as unemployment climbs towards 500,000, it is likely that a large proportion of this number will not experience useful employment over the next five years. A depressing prospect for the people affected and a huge economic loss to the nation.
As a simple, immediate, cheap and effective solution, why not extend the existing policy of reduced social welfare payments for those under 20 years to say 23, and give this wider group the opportunity to increase their social benefits to the full adult level by undertaking work similar to that of special needs and resource teachers?
The role would be particularly suitable for all those leaving college over the next few years facing limited job opportunities.
It would provide them with a sense of purpose, a vital few extra euros and would be of great benefit to the wider society. – Yours, etc,