The Donegal initiative programme was set up to address the employment and retraining needs of 1,596 workers who were made redundant in the county following a number of significant company closures and rationalisations.
A skills analysis of the redundant workforce was compiled by FÁS when the workers became redundant. The analysis report was circulated to the industrial development agencies and to potential investors, with a view to securing employment for the workers.
The position of the redundant workers in the Donegal initiative programme, as at 20 October 2000, was as follows: made redundant 1,596; registered with FÁS – 1,315; received FÁS training – 285; still on live register – 198.
The skills imparted to the redundant workforce through FÁS training is registered on each individual's file in FÁS. The additional skills acquired are mainly in information technology, teleservices, childcare and care of the elderly. Any further retraining required will be provided by FÁS.
Those who are still on the live register will be provided with intensive support by FÁS to improve their employability, upon referral from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
The ongoing needs of the labour force in Donegal are ascertained through FÁS's employment, occupational guidance and training services. These services are available at permanent FÁS offices throughout Donegal and at FÁS outreach facilities for communities distant from the main FÁS locations.
