Vol. 540 No. 2
82 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the actions his Department will take in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure those on the live register have the opportunity to improve their employment prospects on foot of the publication of the ESRI employability study on the live register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20190/01]
The report, "Employability and its Relevance for Management of the Live Register", which was commissioned by my Department was published by the ESRI on 17 May last. The report is a detailed and wide-ranging treatment of the concept of employability and the issues inherent in addressing the problem.
The report complements and informs my Department's ongoing efforts to assist those on the live register to make the transition to work and training. It identifies a number of different dimensions of employability or factors that reduce a person's employability. These include issues such as age, gender, education, previous work experience, location and transport.
The report highlights issues that transcend a variety of sectors, departments and agencies. It is now being considered in detail and its implications and recommendations assessed. Consultation will take place with appropriate Departments, relevant agencies and the social partners. In particular we will be looking at ways to enhance and further the development of the close working relationship we enjoy with FÁS in the context of the employment action plan.
My Department is currently engaged as part of its employment support programme in identifying and assisting people on the live register who require a range of targeted supports to help them make the transition to work or further training or education. The type of service which my Department's jobs facilitators offer to the long-term unemployed is broadly in line with the recommendations in the ESRI report.
