John Bruton
Ceist:13 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the schedule of future meetings of the Interdepartmental Strategy Group on Employment and Unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the group's work programme. [21042/98]
Written Answers. - Interdepartmental Strategy Group.
The Interdepartmental Strategy Group on Employment and Unemployment meets on average every six to eight weeks and has met on 30 occasions since its inception in October 1995. The most recent meeting took place on 15 September and this was followed by a meeting with the social partners on 23 October to discuss labour market policy in the context of the forthcoming budget. These and other issues were explored further at the Partnership 2000 plenary meeting on 28 October.
The group is examining at present the operation of active labour market policies in the light of changing labour market conditions and the aims and strategies set out in the National Employment Action Plan. This examination will also take into account the various reviews of labour market intervention measures either completed, under way or planned. It is envisaged that this work will determine the agenda for future meetings of the group both for the remainder of this year and the early months of next year.