Delegation of Assembly Members heads to Dublin in bid to address youth unemployment
27 March 2014
A group of Members from the National Assembly for Wales will attend the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) plenary session in Dublin on 30 March - 1 April.
It is the 48th plenary of BIPA, which brings together politicians from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the legislatures of Guernsey and Jersey, and the Irish and Westminster Parliaments.
The aim of the session is to discuss matters of mutual interest, with the theme of this Assembly being how best to equip our young people for the jobs of the future.
As part of the discussion, Assembly Members will be aiming to put Wales at the forefront of any projects that will see Irish and UK cooperation on addressing the issue.
“The stark reality of the economic downturn we have faced since 2008 is that it has disproportionately affected young people,” said Deputy Presiding Officer, David Melding AM, who will lead the delegation.
“Young people across the UK are facing difficulties finding work and Wales has not been immune to this trend.
“BIPA is very important in terms of cross-parliamentary relationships. It is a great place to share ideas and cooperate in ways that could address issues such as youth unemployment.
“So it is right that my colleagues and I attend these sessions to ensure that Wales’s voice is heard loud and clearly.”
Mr Melding will be joined in Dublin by William Powell AM, Darren Millar AM, Lindsay Whittle AM and Joyce Watson AM.