Vol. 436 No. 5
55 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his views on whether those who lose their jobs and are being paid unemployment benefit should be encouraged to attend training or educational courses as soon as possible; whether existing schemes are adequate in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I agree with the Deputy that unemployed persons whose skills require updating should, if possible, participate in training.
FÁS provides a wide range of training programmes and employment schemes which are geared towards the various identified needs of its client groups, with priority being given to early school leavers and the unemployed. This year, almost £270 million will be expended on FÁS programmes, of which about £160 million will come from the Exchequer. This will provide opportunities for about 55,000 people during the year. The range of programmes available is kept under constant review and, having regard to the resources available, alterations are made as appropriate to meet perceived needs.
The provision of educational courses geared towards the needs of unemployed persons is, of course, a matter for the Minister for Education.
57 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the total number of people trained each year under FÁS programmes; and the proportion of these courses that lead to certificates that are recognised for employment in other EC countries.
Some 30,511 people benefited from FÁS training in 1992. All of those who achieved the requisite standards would have been awarded certification.
Statistics are not available on the proportion of certificates issued by FÁS which are recognised in other EC member states. However, much progress has and continues to be made in this area. A large range of FÁS training programmes are jointly certifiable by FÁS and City and Guilds of London for example. Work is progressing in having FÁS qualifications recognised in France and agreement has already been reached with regard to four of the qualifications obtained through FÁS training programmes. Discussions are also in train with Germany and contacts have been initiated with Spain and the Netherlands.
