Vol. 538 No. 1
83 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's proposals for the future of FÁS; if the Government is considering the privatisation of all or sections of FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17214/01]
The board of FÁS, which I appointed earlier this year for a five-year term, has recently commenced a strategic review of its role and operations. I have welcomed this initiative by the board, which, I believe is timely in light of the changed and very positive labour market conditions which now prevail.
If we are to maintain our economic and employment performance over the longer term, continuous up-skilling of people, both in and seeking employment, must become the norm. In tackling these issues we are also presented with a social opportunity to address long-term unemployment and disadvantage.
In the context of its strategic review I have indicated to the board that I consider FÁS to have a key role in achieving the Government's objectives of full employment and I have asked that a particular focus continue to be placed on the long-term unemployed with a view to helping them make the transition to work.
In more specific terms I believe that the core activities of FÁS – matching jobseekers and skills with vacancies, training and integration of those who are disadvantaged and targeted training of the labour force – will need to tackle certain key challenges including the provision of an effective and efficient employment service; increasing female participation in the labour force; providing older workers with the option of staying longer in the workforce; encouraging migrant workers in a targeted way to meet labour and skills needs in the economy; eliminating remaining long-term unemployment; integrating into the workforce persons suffering from economic or social disadvantage; up-skilling the Irish labour force to become more adaptable in the face of change and encouraging a culture of lifelong learning in the workplace.
While I have no specific plans to privatise FÁS activities, as has happened in other countries, I believe that FÁS needs to examine whether it should be the direct service provider for all of its activities or whether in any case there are means by which FÁS can meet its objectives in a more effective and flexible manner. I am also anxious to ensure that there is no duplication of activities with other public or private sector organisations.
