As part of the unemployment initiative I asked participants what they would do if they were given the task of boosting employment levels – here is what they siad:

1. Focus on upskilling the unemployed/graduates for the “new world.”

2. Create part time work for the unemployed – either in the community, within semi state organisations or subsidise companies to take them on.

3. Invest more in start your own business initiatives and in stimulating idea generation within communities.

4. Invest resources both financial and non financial (mentor support/training etc) in small businesses.

5. Focus on key growth areas and provide the necessary supports to exploit these opportunities. (Energy, Technology, Ebusiness.)

6. National Skills Audit.

7. Improve links between college and industry.

Another suggestion was to move away from the focus on “five star” and develop more backpackers holidays.
Sell Ireland for its beauty and its food.
(1,2, and 3 were the most popular suggestions by far.)