Nearly a quarter of young people in Europe are unemployed.
A new report, published by Social Justice Ireland, outlines the growing number of people struggling with poverty and social exclusion.
The 'At risk of poverty rate' of 18-24 year olds in Ireland, almost doubled between 2008 and 2011 and currently stands at 27%.
Dr Sean Healy, Director of Social Justice Ireland, says Governments need to put social policies in place to tackle these issues.