Of all the initiatives announced in last week's budget, the cuts to social welfare for people under-25s have proven to be some of the most controversial measures.

From January, new welfare applicants will face reduced Jobseeker's Allowance, with a €100 weekly payment for people aged between 18 and 24, with a €144 rate for 25-year olds. They will receive the standard rate of €188 from their 26th birthday. The revised rates will also affect people under 25 who exhaust their existing Jobseeker's Benefit.

Prof. Brian Lucey spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning on the subject of social welfare reforms, which will include an information leaflet sent to all recipients urging them to find work or training. Lucey observes "we've gone through a policy of trying to keep people from unemployment by increasing the numbers in higher education. Now we have these people with higher skills... and we're saying we're not going to create the conditions to utilise that".

Unemployed young people will also be able to avail of more training opportunities through the likes of FÁS. The Jobbridge internship scheme has recently been extended to allow internships up to 18 months long. However, that programme has proven divisive: some commentators believe it provides participants with valuable experience and potential employment, while others have dismissed it as unfair and a replacement for actual jobs.

In terms of the welfare cuts, there is uncertainty over whether or not it will successfully achieve the Government's goals of getting more young people working. Do you think it will primarily encourage young people to take up work? Will it inspire them to avail of further education and training? Or will it provoke more people to emigrate? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.