Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 9

Written Answers. - FÁS Programmes on Emigration.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

42 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the various programmes initiated by FÁS to prepare people for emigration since 1987; if he considers the present programmes adequate; and if he has any plans to improve and expand the existing programmes.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

I have indicated in the past my concern that any person thinking of emigrating would have access to advisory and counselling services before taking such a step and in June 1989 I issued a direction to FÁS to ensure that comprehensive predeparture services are provided through that organisation to persons thinking of emigrating.

These services are now being implemented by FÁS and cover:

(a) Advice and Counselling— aimed at discouraging emigration, especially among vulnerable groups such as early school-leavers. A counselling interview conducted by placement staff emphasises the dangers of unplanned emigration;

(b) Information on Living and Working Conditions— in EC member states as well as Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Worker information is made available in conjunction with the counselling interview;

(c)Circulation of EC vacancies through the SEDOC system— under this system, details of unfilled vacancies are circulated among employment services of member states. Approximately 8,700 permanent vacancies were notified to November last, of which 4,800 were circulated among FÁS offices. An estimated minimum of 1,800 permanent positions to the end of November have been filled. A further 600 temporary positions were also filled through SEDOC.

Government assistance to emigrants in Britain is allocated on the recommendation of DÍON, the Advisory Committee on Emigrant Welfare. The DÍON allocation was increased from £250,000 in 1988 to £500,000 in 1989. The same amount has been allocated this year. The increased funding has enabled a wider range and larger number of organisations to be funded than heretofore.