Vol. 489 No. 1
87 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she has taken to facilitate the return of women to the workplace, as outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7589/98]
A working group, chaired by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, is now examining the whole question of women's access to labour market opportunities. It should report to the Government later this year. The group includes social partner representation, including the National Women's Council of Ireland. The group's recommendations will assist the Government plan our strategy for the integration of women into all forms of employment, including self-employment, consistent with commitments in the programme for Government and indeed Partnership 2000.
With particular regard to training the general principle applied is that FÁS training programmes are open to all persons who are unemployed and seeking work. However, priority of access is given to persons on the live register, regardless of gender. The participation rate of women in FÁS programmes is some 49 per cent.
FÁS is also undertaking a number of initiatives geared to the reintegration of women to the labour market. These include "return to work" and "enterprise training" courses and a NOW, New Opportunities for Women, programme which aims to provide locally-based training in partnership with community groups.
FÁS is also very conscious of the need for child-care facilities for women returning to work, and contributes over £5 million per annum to community-based child-care provision by way of support for community employment projects. Over 130 CE projects have such a child-care dimension. Many of these facilities provide community-based child-care for women undertaking education or training.
