When referred to FÁS, each individual's progress and career guidance process is tracked using a sophisticated caseload tracking system. The aim is to refer within one month as many clients as possible to a job, training or education course or some other support such as a jobs club. The referral month is essentially a period of engagement, preparation and guidance of the job-seeker so that the most appropriate and suitable career path is chosen by them. The real results of this process are therefore more likely to be seen in the subsequent period.
For example, in the case of the 557 young people, unemployed for six months, who were originally referred for FÁS interview in June-last we see that of the 330 young people who had attended for interview by FÁS: 30% (98) had been placed by FÁS in jobs or on programmes at end September (as compared with 23% in August and 16% in July); a further 35% (116) had left the LR; a further 7% (23) had been referred for an upcoming programme place and were still on the LR; 15% (49) were still on the LR and receiving continuing intensive support from their FÁS case-support officer-guidance, assistance with job-search, etc. The proportion in this category had fallen from 25% in August and 35% in July; no current FÁS action was being taken in 13% (44) of cases, even though the individual was still on the LR; and these cases were due for review by DSCFA; 73% of non-attendees had also signed off the LR by the end of September.
The remaining interviewees are either placed, are referred for training, are not ready to progress due to health problems etc., have dropped out of the process or have signed off the live register of their own accord. The following table outlines the position for each category of EAP referrals.