Munster Sinn Féin spokesperson, Cllr Toiréasa Ferris, said that this budget was particularly harsh on young people because the government saw them as easy targets and soft options. She called on younger people in particular to make sure they are registered to vote and can make their feelings heard in the forthcoming elections.

Toireasa Ferris said: “Young people in Munster will be devastated and troubled by the way this budget targeted them to pay for the disastrous policies which allowed bad government, speculators and bankers devastate the Irish economy. The government’s emergency measures contained:

• no measures to maintain existing employment or stimulate new employment
• totally inadequate training initiatives
• deprived people under 20 of half their job seekers allowance
• put young parents in the position of being unable to afford childcare
• curtailed  mortgage relief for young people on the property ladder
• drive young parents into the arms of money lenders to compensate for the removal of the Christmas bonus
• Cut back on public transport which is disproportionately used by young people.

These harsh measures come against a background of other charges largely affecting young people including a massive increase in third level fees and a rise to €75 to do a driving test.

I am urging young people to make sure they are on the electoral register and to make their feelings heard in the forthcoming elections."