YOUNG PEOPLE CONCERNED ABOUT JOBS AND DRUGS

Unemployment is the number one concern of Ireland's youth, a comprehensive
new survey shows. Over half of those questioned said they have taken
illegal drugs. The young people expressed dissatisfaction with the
Government for failing to tackle the drugs problem adequately. Fianna Fail
is the most popular political party.

They are tolerant in their attitude towards refugees or asylum-seekers, who
they believe should be allowed to stay in the country. And they consider
travellers are the group most discriminated against in Irish society.

Their top television programmes are Friends, ER and The Simpsons. Their
favourite newspaper is The Irish Times followed by the Irish Independent
and the Sun.

The survey was commissioned by the National Youth Council of Ireland and
carried out in January 1998 by a market research company among 1,400 people
between the ages of 15 and 24, North and South. The respondents were
stopped at random in the street at 64 centres and asked a series of 48
questions.

The president of the NYCI, Ms Jillian Hassett, said at a press conference
that it was the most detailed and comprehensive survey ever undertaken
among young people.

"The Government and those in power need to look at these facts and ensure
that they are taken into account in all policies in all areas," she said.

The results show that more than one third - 39 per cent - are dissatisfied
with the education system although 61 per cent think "their
education/training is suited to the present demands of the labour market."

In spite of the Celtic Tiger, unemployment is the number one concern, at 46
per cent, ahead of drugs, 23 per cent; Northern Ireland, 11 per cent;
crime, 12 per cent and environment, 4 per cent. Twenty four per cent were
in part-time employment.

On drugs, 69 per cent believe that the Government is not tackling the
problem adequately, and consider education and prevention are the best
approach.

Of those who have taken drugs, 32 per cent said they never use them any
more, 12 per cent use them once or more a week, 22 percent take them once
or twice a month and 34 per cent three or four times a year.

There is an urban-rural divide on the issue of legalisation. Urban young
people marginally favour drugs legalisation: 47 per cent say yes, 41 per
cent no.

Rural young people are marginally against by 46 per cent to 41 per cent. Of
those in favour of legalisation, 97 per cent said cannabis should be
legalised.

While 60 per cent expressed the view that spirituality is important in
their lives, only 30 per cent participate regularly in organised religion,
and 43 per cent sometimes.

Fianna Fail was the most popular political party, at 23 per cent. Seventy
nine per cent said they would vote if an election were held in the morning.

"This is in contrast to the numbers who actually vote, making a case to
have elections held during weekends when young people can actually vote,"
the NYCI commented.

Eighty nine per cent are or have been members of a youth organisation,
sports club or voluntary association.

A big difference between the attitudes of males and females is on equality.
Of the young women, 68 per cent believe that equality of opportunity
between men and women does not exist, whereas 52 per cent of young men
believe that there is equality of opportunity.

Eighty three per cent said they are very satisfied with their body image.
The most popular art forms are music, video, cinema and reading novels.