Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 2

Written Answers. - FÁS Structure.

Seán Barrett

Question:

9 Mr. Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes, if any, she will be making in FÁS as a result of the White Paper on Human Resource Development; and, if so, when these changes will be implemented. [7635/98]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

28 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes, if any, she will be making in FÁS as a result of the White Paper on Human Resource Development; and, if so, when these changes will be implemented. [7634/98]

Jim Mitchell

Question:

68 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes, if any, she will be making in FÁS as a result of the White Paper on Human Resource Development; if so, when these changes will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7633/98]

Nora Owen

Question:

83 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes, if any, she will be making in FÁS as a result of the White Paper on Human Resource Development; and, if so, when these changes will be implemented. [7701/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 28, 68 and 83 together.

The Government's Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to examine the future role and structure of FÁS. Arising from this examination and other developments within my Department, the Deputy will be aware of a recent Government decision to establish a new enterprise support agency to help Irish controlled companies develop a sustainable competitive advantage with a view to increasing sales, exports and employment. It is intended that relevant elements of An Bord Trachtala, Forbairt and FÁS will be incorporated into this new agency.

The policy basis for this restructuring is set out in a briefing document entitled New Support Structures for Enterprise Development — the Issues and Concepts Outlined, copies of which have been placed in the Oireachtas Library for the information of Members.

In addition to the changes I have mentioned, I am also currently reviewing how best to strengthen the employment service component of FÁS, including its inter-relationship with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs on the one hand and the local employment service on the other. However, I have not taken any decisions that would involve structural or institutional change as yet.