Vol. 524 No. 1
44 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to extend the pilot programme operated by FÁS in a number of pilot areas designed to bring the long-term unemployed into the workforce, having regard to the success rate achieved by the pilot projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21575/00]
I assume the question refers to the special engagement of all those on the live register carried out under the employment action plan referral system in Ballyfermot and Kilkenny which ended in May this year. Both of these pilot programmes were very successful. The sign off rate in Ballyfermot was 70% and a sign off rate of 75% was achieved in Kilkenny. My Department will be implementing the next phase of the special engagements in conjunction with FÁS and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs at the earliest possible opportunity. The next two areas for acti vation are Clondalkin and Galway. Plans to activate further areas are under discussion with FÁS and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
