Local whizz kids asked for ideas

A local TD is urging business whizz kids to submit ideas for jobs to the government with the top idea winning a research grant. Fine Gael TD Ray Butler was speaking after Dail visits from three local schools recently, saying he was very impressed with their "enthusiasm, energy and outlook on life" and adding that these bright young people are the next generation of workers and have brilliant 'can-do' attitudes. "I am, therefore, delighted that the Minister for Children has announced a new initiative and I am urging local entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 22 to submit their ideas on job creation to the Minister," he said. "The Department of Children and Youth Affairs is organising a nationwide campaign offering young people with ideas on job creation the opportunity to put their proposals to the new government," he said. "This is a great initiative and I urge any local young person to get involved in this competition. It would be fantastic to have local participation in this programme which offers some exciting rewards for winning proposals. Entries are being evaluated by leading Irish business people and entrepreneurs." The competition is being organised in conjunction with TV3's Every Job Counts campaign and in line with the government's focus on job creation. The young people behind the top proposals will be given the opportunity to shadow a leading businessperson and the overall winner will receive a research grant of up to €15,000. "Young people, like so many in our community, are worried about the recession, about their parents' employment and about their own future employment. Many of them have huge energy and ideas for economic development and this initiative will help them structure those ideas into workable proposals," said the Trim TD. Participants will be rewarded for their effort by receiving constructive feedback from business leaders. The young people who develop the best job creation proposals will be given the opportunity of spending a week shadowing a successful Irish entrepreneur and the top entry will also win a research grant with Amarach research of €15,000. "I would urge any local young person to avail of this opportunity and let their ideas be heard," he said.