Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:95 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's plans for the future role of FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3343/02]
Vol. 547 No. 3
95 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's plans for the future role of FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3343/02]
The labour market has changed dramatically in Ireland in recent years. Since 1997 employment has grown by 28% and unemployment has fallen to 4.3% from 10% in 1997. Long-term unemployment is currently recorded at 1.2%. This represents a tight labour market characterised by vacancies in all sectors and at all skill levels.
The recent rise in unemployment has been brought about mainly by short-term factors such as the downturn in the technological sector and the economic effects of the 11 September attack in the US. There is a general view that unemployment will rise in 2002 but that good economic and employment growth will return in the medium term.