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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 5

Written Answers - Role of FÁS.

David Stanton

Question:

46 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which FÁS is accountable to her; the action, if any, she is planning or is in the course of taking with regard to restructuring or altering the role of FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6748/98]

FÁS is accountable to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the provisions of the Labour Services Act, 1987 (S. I. Number 15 of 1987).

For example, sections 11 and 12 of that Act require FÁS to submit a copy of its annual report and accounts, with those of its subsidiary FÁS International Consulting Ltd., to the Minister who shall cause copies of the documents to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. Section 12(5) further requires FÁS to furnish information of other specified kinds to the Minister when asked to do so.

The Government's Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to examine the future role and structure of FÁS. Arising from this examination and other developments within my Department, the Deputy will be aware of a recent Government decision to establish a new client-centred support structure for indigenous enterprise involving the creation of a new enterprise support agency. It is intended that An Bord Tráchtála and relevant elements of Forbairt and FÁS will be incorporated into this new agency.
The policy basis for this restructuring is set out in a briefing document entitled "New Support Structures for Enterprise Development — the Issues and Concepts Outlined," copies of which have been placed in the Dáil Library for the information of Members.
In addition, I am also currently reviewing a range of options as regards the development of a new national employment service and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in this regard in due course.
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