Mary Harney
Question:33 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if the new employment protection unit has been established in his Department; and, if so, if he will give details of the staffing arrangements and resources.
Written Answers. - Employment Protection Unit.
Brendan McGahon
Question:50 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the budget that he will be assigning to the new job protection unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 50 together.
The Programme for a Partnership Government promised the establishment of an employment protection unit to provide advisory services to small firms experiencing difficulties and to firms seeking to develop their growth potential.
The arrangements for the establishment of such an advisory service are under active consideration by my Department but, as yet, no specific budget or staffing provision has been allocated to it. The extent of the resources allocated will depend on the structure of the unit and its role having regard to the functions undertaken by other agencies in relation to employment protection.