Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 1

Written Answers. - FÁS Centres in Europe.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

183 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of, (a) the progress made in establishing FAS centres on the European Continent to assist potential Irish emigrants in obtaining employment there and (b) the locations and staffing of such centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. Cowen)

I indicated in the Dáil on 10 March 1992, the position regarding the placement of FÁS employees in employment offices of appropriate EC member states following official discussions.

FÁS has recently concluded an agreement with the Dutch Employment Service for the development of a closer working relationship between the two services with a view to assisting Irish people obtain employment in Holland. The agreement will take effect from 1 June 1992 and will be reviewed after 12 months.

Discussions are also taking place between FÁS and the German Employment Service with a view to developing a similar agreement. Present indications are the location of the FÁS presence will be initially The Hague and Frankfurt.

The implementation of the agreements between FÁS and their EC counterparts is a day-to-day matter for FÁS.