asked the Minister for Labour the present position in regard to the EC Commission proposals for an action programme for the long term unemployed; the nature of the proposals being made; their implications for Ireland; and when he expects a decision to be taken thereon.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Proposals for Long Term Unemployed.
11.
Following discussions during 1987 in the Standing Committee on Employment and the Social Affairs Council of measures to help the long term unemployed, a comprehensive set of conclusions was adopted by the Council in December 1987 including an invitation to the Commission to present an action programme in favour of the long term unemployed.
I understand that the Commission have prepared, but not approved, an action programme as requested by the Council. I would expect that this programme would cover a range of measures covering such matters as counselling, placement, vocation training, work experience, assistance in starting businesses et cetera.
It is not possible to comment on the implications of the action programme for this country before the programme becomes available. However, the major implications for Ireland is likely to be one of cost. Given the scale of our unemployment problem and our limited finances, we will have to seek Community support for any new measures or any increase in the range of measures already in operation in Ireland in favour of the long term unemployed. The question of additional Community assistance will have to be looked at in the context of reform of the structural funds which is being discussed at present.
Will the rate of Community assistance be 50 per cent or 75 per cent?
I hope there will be an increase. All of the discussions I have participated in to date show there will be an increase but I cannot give the percentage.