Following today’s launch of the Technical Engineering & Electrical Union (TEEU) and the Union of Students in Ireland’s (USI) launch of their joint campaign against the introduction of apprentice fees Sinn Féin Dublin EU election candidate Lynn Boylan described the Labours party’s attack on young people, particularly those on low income, as relentless.
Attending the launch Lynn Boylan secured a commitment from Labours Dublin MEP Emer Costello, who spoke at the event that she would call on Education and Skills Minister Ruairi Quinn TD to meet with the TEEU as a matter of urgency. General Secretary of the TEEU told today’s campaign launch that it was the first time in his 30 years of his involvement in the union that a Minister had refused to meet with them.
The young Dublin Sinn Féin EU candidate said:
“I want to welcome today’s launch of the TEEU and USI joint campaign against the introduction of apprentice fees and I pledge Sinn Féin’s full support in the fight against this penny pinching regressive measure.
“Speaking at today’s campaign launch Labours Dublin MEP claim that she was championing youth unemployment in Brussels was yet another example of Emer Costello’s astonishing ability to speak out of both sides of her mouth.
“Labour in government has relentlessly attacked young people, particularly those on low incomes. Labour in Government has cut basic social welfare rates for the under 25s, offered up a paltry €14 million for a Youth Guarantee , fallen far short of providing the necessary training place, and have now introduced apprenticeship fees.
“Despite the devastating impact the fees will have on young peoples’ ability to attend or complete apprenticeships Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn has so far refused to meet with TEEU to discuss the matter. General Secretary of the TEEU told today’s campaign launch that it was the first time in his 30 years of his involvement in the union that a Minister had refused to meet with them.
“No amount of spin by Emer Costello, nor the PR company she employs, can shield the Dublin MEP from the anger and disappointment felt by young people and their across the capital city. Labour in government has failed young people.”
