Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 4

Written Answers. - Skills Training Programmes.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

96 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself with the availability of training programmes for women in the home wishing to return to the workplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26661/00]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

118 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures she plans to introduce to support women working from home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26663/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 118 together.

I take it that the Deputy's question relates to encouraging women who are working in the home to take up employment outside the home. In operational terms FÁS recognises, in the light of the current labour market situation, the need to encourage women, who wish to do so, to enter or return to the workforce.

In 1999 women comprised 47% of all those completing FÁS programmes. Many of these women are women who are planning to return to the workforce.

Specifically, FÁS has been running a pro gramme to encourage and assist women to return to the workforce for many years. More than 1,000 women avail of this programme annually. This programme is provided on a part-time and full-time basis. In addition, many women who wish to return to the workforce go directly into skills training programmes within FÁS and into enterprise training programmes. Many women who wish to move back into work also take up training locally within their own communities. Such training is provided by FÁS on a part time flexible basis.

FÁS is reviewing its return to work initiative with a view to adapting it to meet the needs of clients from early 2001. Currently FÁS is consulting with representative bodies of women and with locally based womens' groups to ensure that this new programme will best meet the needs of women in the home who wish to return to work.

This review is in line with the recommendations of the Partnership 2000 Report on Women's Access to the Labour Market Opportunities and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.