Vol. 489 No. 2
41 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes, if any, she is considering in the structure or operation of FÁS, with particular reference to enabling women in the home to qualify more readily for training programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Government's Action Programme for the New 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 enterprise support agency to help Irish controlled companies develop a sustainable competitive advantage with a view to increasing sales, exports and employment. It is intended that relevant elements of An Bord Tráchtála, 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 to the changes I have mentioned, I am also currently reviewing how best to strengthen the employment service component of FÁS, including its inter-relationship with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs on the one hand and the local employment service on the other. However, I have not yet taken any decisions that would involve structural or institutional change.
FÁS training programmes are, in principle, open to all persons who are unemployed and seeking employment, regardless of gender. However, priority of access is given to those who are on the live register.
Since 1990, FÁS has had in place an action programme for women which adopts specific measures in certain key areas of FÁS activity to ensure that every opportunity is afforded to women to participate fully in the labour market.
This action programme has met with considerable success. In 1997, 5,171 women completed specific skills training courses with FÁS. This represented 44 per cent of the total number of people completing. A further 1,158 women completed return to work training, which is designed specifically to upgrade skills as well as develop new skills, for women returning to the work force.
Under the terms of the Partnership 2000 Agreement, a working group has been set up to examine a range of issues affecting women's access to the labour market. This group is serviced by the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs and is expected to report to the Government later in the year.
