Jim Higgins
Question:47 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has carried out a recent analysis of the skills and needs of persons who are long term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Vol. 432 No. 6
47 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has carried out a recent analysis of the skills and needs of persons who are long term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In relation to ongoing activities, FÁS seeks as far as possible to identify the particular need and skills of the persons with whom it comes into contact, including the long term unemployed. It attempts to assist the long term unemployed to equip themselves to compete more effectively in the labour market, bearing in mind their needs and skills, through the operation, adaptation and development of its various schemes and activities.
I would also point out that as part of its outreach work to the long term unemployed who do not present themselves to State training services the Programme for Economic and Social Progress area-based companies have begun a process of close interaction —through surveys and interviews — with the long term unemployed with a view to better establishing their particular skills and needs.