asked the Minister for Labour if he will indicate the extent of usage of the mobile unit on careers; and whether he intends to publicise and expand this information service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Careers Mobile Unit.
6.
During the past 12 months the careers exhibition stand of the National Manpower Service was used at 21 exhibitions representing a total of 60 display days. Over 1,000,000 career leaflets were distributed at these exhibitions.
The mobile unit is available to groups organising careers exhibitions for the youth of their areas and officers of the Department advise on the organisation of such exhibitions.
The main function of the Careers Information Service is to publish information on individual careers and 250 leaflets covering 300 careers are now available. Leaflets are distributed free to schools, youth organisations, libraries and other organisations on a circulation list kept in the Department. The number distributed has been increasing and is now nearly 4,000,000 a year.
Audio-visual programmes are being prepared and other means of disseminating careers information are also being considered.
Do I understand that the unit is completely staffed with personnel from the Department and would they accompany the unit?
It is staffed by personnel from the National Manpower Service who accompany it.
That is very vague. Do trained personnel from the Manpower Service accompany the unit on all occasions?
Yes, when required.
Does the Minister feel that one unit is sufficient and would it be possible to bring it to a locality within a week or two of notice being given?
We have a more ambitious electronic stand available and there is no difficulty about arranging a careers exhibition. The necessary personnel are there to answer questions where necessary.
Would the Minister consider undertaking some form of publicity operation to indicate to the various community organisations that such a service is available?
Our National Manpower Service throughout the country are constantly involved with schools and local organisations and there is an open invitation there to any groups concerned.
What kind of careers are being offered at the moment?
That is a separate question. The leaflets cover 250 careers.
Would the Minister circulate copies of the leaflets to Members of the House?
I will be very happy to do so.