Written Answers. - Oireachtas Committee on Employment.
Seán Barrett
Question:
37
Mr. Barrett
asked the
Minister for Enterprise and Employment
if any of the recommendations of the Oireachtas Employment Committee have been implemented; and, if so, if he will give details of these recommendations and the costs involved for his Department.
The first report of the Oireachtas Committee on Employment contained 12 recommendations, most of which relate to matters which are my responsibility and are reflected in the Programme for Partnership in Government. I will deal with them in the order in which they appeared in the Summary of Recommendations in the committees report.
No. 1. Improve co-ordination of job creation, training and employment schemes.
The establishment of the Department of Enterprise and Employment will ensure more effective co-ordination of job creation, training and employment scheme measures. In addition discussions have been initiated with the Department of Education with a view to rationalising the various training opportunities provided by FÁS and the education sector.
No. 2. Supports broad thrust of Culliton recommendations.
I have made it clear that I regard implementation of Culliton as my priority over the coming months, together with the establishment of the County Enterprise Partnership Boards. A Cabinet subCommittee, which I am chairing, has been formed with the express purpose of expediting implementation of the recommendations. The Cabinet sub-Committee will have concluded its work shortly after which details on its implementation will be made available. As you will appreciate these cover matters which are the responsibility of several different Ministers, each of whom will be following up with the appropriate announcements on implementation over the next few months.
As regards agency restructuring, it is my intention to have the necessary legislation enacted before the summer recess of the Dáil.
At this stage it is not possible to provide details of the costs which will arise in the implementation of the recommendations.
No. 3. Establish an “Equity For Jobs” Fund.
The Government's commitment to the provision of funding to promote recovery and job creation will be reflected across the spectrum of departmental spending. I am dealing in more detail with the question of promoting greater equity for investment in response to another question which has been put down for answer today.
The new county enterprise partnership boards will take over responsibility of promotion and assisting integrated local development plans in consultation with community organisation, the social partners, and the public sector at local level. The new structure will have a priority focus upon enterprise creation, and development leading to increased employment.
No. 4. Develop linkages further.
The IDA is actively involved on a day-to-day basis with the development of company linkages and both in the context of the implementation of the "Culliton" report and the establishment of the County Enterprise Partnership Boards, particular attention will be given to maximising the opportunities available for forging such linkages.
No. 5. Development job-creation potential of the semi-State sector.
This is a matter that the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications will be dealing fully with.
No. 6. Planned expansion of Social Employment Scheme.
An allocation of £83.811 million has been made available for the social employment scheme in 1993. This will provide around 13,500 man years activity on the scheme as against 12,000 in 1992. The level of activity in future years is dependent on the availability of Exchequer and EC resources.
No. 7. Increase participation in Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
This is a matter which the Minister for Education will be dealing fully with.
No. 8. Develop proposals using existing resources to provide employment for the long term unemployed.
The Committee indicated that it was to propose a programme in this connection.
No. 9. Maximise the commitment of Structural Funds to Ireland post 1993.
Overall responsibility for the Structural Funds is a matter for the Minister for Finance and this is an issue that he is fully dealing with.
No. 10. Extend and improve support services for those considering migration.
I am satisfied that the services provided by FÁS to those interested in seeking employment abroad are satisfactory and I will keep them under review.
No. 11. Develop measures to encourge and support the return of well-qualified migrants.
The availability of FÁS and IDA personnel abroad will assist Irish people interested in returning to Ireland obtain advice and information on opportunties here.
No. 12 Establish a more coherent internationally recognised system of certification for Irish vocational qualifications.
The Minister of State at my Department with responsibility for Labour Affairs will be coming forward in due course with proposals for the establishment of a national training and certification board as proposed in the Programme for a Partnership Government
