Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 5

Written Answers. - FÁS Training Programmes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

33 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has to ensure an increase in the number of FÁS training places available to those seeking a return to the workforce; if improved investment in these schemes is being contemplated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12267/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

My Department's Estimate for 1999 makes provision for increased investment in additional FÁS training places and other active labour market programmes provided by FÁS for those seeking to return to the workforce.

My Department's Estimate includes £3.165 million to train an extra 730 people per annum in the software and electronics sectors, in response to the first report of the expert group on future skills needs; £4.35 million for 1,500 new training places on bridging programmes for long-term unemployed people. These programmes are designed to facilitate progression to mainstream FÁS training courses; £1.8 million to create 800 new places on a special tailored training programme for lone parents; £2.5 million to facilitate 4,800 new jobs club places for long-term unemployed people; £0.2 million to facilitate the provision of 400 new jobs club places for lone parents in the FÁS regions of Dublin north and Dublin west; £4.9 million to create 875 new places on the jobs initiative.

A further 1,000 additional training places will be provided for people under 25 years of age and will be financed primarily through additional European Social Fund support. The European Social Fund will also support 100 additional places to train long-term unemployed people in new technologies.

In total, a extra 10,205 places are being provided by FÁS this year on training and other active labour market programmes for people who wish to return to work.

The additional places provided for in my Department's Estimate are aimed at supporting the re-integration of people who have most difficulty finding employment. These extra places will enable a greater proportion of long-term unemployed people and lone parents to access the growing number of job opportunities which are now available As a further measure for long-term unemployed people, I recently announced the introduction of a £25 per week training bonus for long-term unemployed people who participate in FÁS training. This allowance came into force from 19 April.