Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 3

Written Answers - Unemployment Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

83 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has consulted with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs with a view to making urgent provision for those who have lost their jobs through recent closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12686/01]

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

I, along with the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs and the officials of our respective Departments, are in ongoing contact in relation to unemployment issues and other related matters.

Under current support arrangements, employees who are laid off may qualify for unemployment assistance or unemployment benefit subject to the conditions for receipt of UA-UB being satisfied. Persons who lose their jobs and subsequently register with FÁS can avail of an extensive range and scale of supports including FÁS matching services where persons are referred to employers in the case of notified job vacancies. This service is augmented, where appropriate, with guidance and counselling interviews to assist persons in their move to a job.

Where closures arise both the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and agencies under the aegis of my Department, such as FÁS, are proactive in providing a response tailored to the particular circumstances of the closure. In the case of large scale closures, for example, FÁS has contacted senior personnel in the human resources department of firms where immediate offers of assistance have been made to support employees who will be made redundant. The type of supports on offer includes registration, assistance in sourcing alternative employment, retraining and career guidance. FÁS also play an invaluable role as part of a task force team established to deal with large scale closures. These teams are normally comprised of representatives from State agencies, trade union officials, chambers of commerce and local authorities. When and where appropriate, the FÁS co-operative development unit would also supply advice and assistance in cases of job losses-closures.

I am satisfied that adequate supports are in place to provide for those who have lost their jobs through recent closures. In our current economic climate with substantial numbers of vacancies in the economy and a low unemployment rate there remains opportunities for unemployed people to quickly find new employment.