THE DECISION by the European Union’s member states to give the green light to the Youth Guarantee Scheme (YGS) has been welcomed by Ireland East MEP, Liam Aylward.

The Glenmore man commented on the significance of the decision to The Echo and said it will give young people hope for their future.

“Across Europe 7.5 million young people are not in employment, education or training and with youth unemployment reaching chronic levels in many EU states young people are seriously worried about what the future will hold for them,” he said.

Under the YGS young people up to the age of 25 should receive either an offer of employment, further education, or work-focused training within four months of leaving education or becoming unemployed.

According to Mr. Aylward investment in the YGS is a key measure in addressing unemployment among young people across the continent including Ireland.

He also said it would go some way to alleviating the cost of youth unemployment for EU member states which is estimated to be around €153bn per year for the EU.

To implement the YGS successfully in Ireland will require the Government establishing strong partnerships with schools and universities, training providers, employment services, social partners, career guidance providers, youth support services and youth organisations.

The scheme will be funded by unspent money in the European Social Fund. The Youth Guarantee is part of the Youth Employment Initiative which was allocated €6bn under the future budget for the period 2014-2020.