Vol. 501 No. 2
149 Mr. Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the FÁS training schemes which may be available to those who are leaving college and have secured temporary work in their area of qualification but where the sponsoring employer requires financial assistance towards the temporary placement in view of the fact that the students summer jobs scheme is not available to those in their final year in college. [5729/99]
There are no FÁS schemes available to address the precise circumstances referred to in the question. FÁS supported training schemes, such as specific skills training and traineeships, are open to graduates who meet the relevant entry criteria. In addition, FÁS provides extensive career counselling, job placement and occupational guidance services through a national network of 70 placement services offices.
The main FÁS support scheme for employers is Jobstart which is focused at long-term unemployed persons, that is, people unemployed more than three years.
The students' summer jobs scheme is operated by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. However, I understand that students who have completed their courses are not eligible for the scheme, as they are permitted to sign on for unemployment assistance at that stage.
