Vol. 457 No. 7
282 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to cater for the long-term unemployed with a view to a return to paid employment, including an expansion of the community employment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16321/95]
As the Deputy is aware the Government recently held a special meeting on Employment and Unemployment. While welcoming the increase of 49,000 in the numbers at work over the last year, the Government recognised the unacceptably high level of long-term unemployment. The Government renewed its commitment to ensuring that economic and employment growth also benefit the long-term unemployed.
Consequently the Government decided to draw up and implement a comprehensive strategy embracing all policy areas with clearly defined objectives to deal with all aspects of the unemployment problem, especially long-term unemployment.
A new Local Employment Service, which will have as a priority target group the long-term unemployed, is presently in the process of being set up. It is being phased in the beginning in the twelve established Programme for Economic and Social Progress Area Partnerships and two other areas, Clare and Kildare. This new service will provide a specialist career path planning service incorporating guidance, counselling, access to training/education and placement in employment for long-term unemployed people.
