The National Youth Council has accused the Government of "abandoning" teenagers in work by not implementing legislation to protect them. Delegates at the council's annual assembly in Dublin at the weekend were told that pubs, shops and restaurants routinely abused young people by ignoring the provisions of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996.
Under the Act it is illegal to employ children aged 14 years or younger during a school term. It is also illegal for a 15-year-old to work after 8 p.m. or to do more than eight hours work a week during the school term. People aged 16 and 17 must not work after 10 p.m. when they have school the next morning, or after 11 p.m. on weekends or during school holidays.
Ms Jillian Hassett, president of the council, said there were only 10 inspectors to see the Act was being implemented, and they worked office hours, while many of the problems were in service industries operating outside the nine-to-five working day.
The Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Mr Willie O'Dea, announced extra funding of £400,000 for youth services this year. He said he expected this week's Budget would "show a significant increase in funding in this area". He has submitted a three-year plan to the Government which aims to place funding for youth services on a statutory basis for the first time.