Almost one in five young Irish people have experienced serious deprivation – more than double the number in 2007, according to new EU-wide research.
The report, Social Situation of Young People in Europe , was compiled by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) in conjunction with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). It charts the changing social situation of young people aged between 18 and 29 across the EU. Yesterday's report relates to data from 2011, whereas the previous report from the group contained data from 2007.
Serious deprivation
The study found that some 18 per cent of young Irish people reported experiencing "serious deprivation", which is defined as the "inability to afford items considered essential". This figure is up from 7 per cent in 2007.
NYCI senior research and policy officer Marie-Claire McAleer said this meant 18 per cent “cannot afford keeping their house warm, buying meat or fish at least every second day (if they wanted to) and/or buying new, rather than second-hand clothes”.
“Young people in large households, such as those living both with their parents and their partner and/or children are the most likely to experience high level of deprivation,” she added.
The study also found that 42 per cent of young Irish people are living with their parents. This figure is down from 45 per cent in 2007.
Ms McAleer said “an increase in youth unemployment and cuts in social welfare for young people in successive budgets has made it more difficult for young people to afford to leave home and live independently”.
“We also have to address the serious housing shortage here in Ireland. Government also needs to develop an integrated housing strategy as a matter of urgency,” she said.
Eurofound director Juan Menéndez-Valdés said tackling youth unemployment continued to be a policy priority for EU and national government, “but the need to directly address the risk of social exclusion and the need to look at the broader aspects of social inclusion are increasingly recognised in the public debate”.
Healthcare
On the issue of health, some 51 per cent of young people in Ireland said cost was a barrier to healthcare – the fourth highest in the EU.
“The availability of limited free healthcare in Ireland compared to other parts of the EU and the rising cost of health insurance is a significant barrier to young people’s access to health care and subsequently their unmet medical need,” said Ms McAleer.
“Obviously, the current system is not working and needs to be replaced by a system that provides greater equity and access to health care for all,” she added.
