asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that FÁS have been writing, to unemployed persons registered with the agency, inviting them to apply for jobs abroad; if, in view of the fact that this could be seen as an official policy of encouraging emigration among the unemployed, he will request FÁS to desist from this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - FÁS Procedures.
17.
Section 4 (1) (g) of the Labour Services Act obliges FÁS to facilitate and assist persons, whenever required by them, in obtaining employment in a European Community member state.
FÁS discharges its statutory responsibility by
(i) operating the SEDOC system whereby unfilled vacancies in the European Community are circulated by the member states and information is also exchanged about job seekers wishing to work in other member states
(ii) providing an advice and information system to job seekers wishing to work abroad.
(iii) discouraging those who are inadequately prepared for working abroad from migrating and undertaking an employment or training course in Ireland.
The management of the above programmes is a day-to-day matter for FÁS.