Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Dan Wallace

Question:

17 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the steps, if any, he is taking to deal with the job creation needs of small areas with unemployment rates in excess of 50 per cent. [3926/96]

I am pursuing a two-pronged approach to the matter raised by the Deputy.

In regard to job-creation, the 35 city and county enterprise boards were set up in late 1993 to promote local development in all areas, including areas of high unemployment. They were established to fill a gap in the support services provided by the State industrial development agencies and have clear enterprise and job-creation objectives.

Over £20 million has been provided in grants by the 35 CEBs since their establishment, resulting in the creation of over 4,000 full-time and 1,000 part-time jobs.

Also, it is essential that action be taken to assist those unemployed persons in the areas concerned, and particularly the long-term unemployed, to compete successfully for jobs created in their own areas. The Local Employment Service will address this task in 14 areas with particular needs arising from unemployment. By adopting a more integrated system for improving the employability of the long-term unemployed, combined with a strengthening of the links between local employers and placement services, I believe that the Local Employment Service will provide a valuable contribution to the particular needs of the areas in question.

Finally, the Deputy will be aware of the area partnerships which will have as part of their goals, the improvement of opportunities for those seeking work, particularly the long-term unemployed.

Top
Share