Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.

Seán Crowe

Question:

169 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the exact official definition used by her Department of the terms disadvantage, disadvantaged area and disadvantaged community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17014/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey):

There is no statutory definition used by my Department of the terms disadvantage, disadvantaged areas, and disadvantaged community.

The policy focus of my Department in terms of disadvantage is primarily from a labour market perspective and is perhaps best summarised in chapter 2.1 of the current national agreement, Sustaining Progress, as "supporting the long-term unemployed, those who have become redundant, and those in low-skilled employment."

There is a range of interventions in place to achieve the above objectives including the extension of the preventive strategy outlined in the national employment action plan to all persons on the live register for longer than six months on a phased basis; the new high supports process which was launched earlier this year and is aimed at helping these experiencing particular employability barriers; the recently launched workforce gateway for women initiative which is aimed at supporting and further developing services for women wishing to return to work. FÁS continues to play an active role in respect of company lay- offs and closures and has developed a process for engagement with redundant workers which is put in place as required and can be adapted to meet the needs of a particular situation. FÁS provides training for low skilled workers through a number of programmes such as skills training, community training, bridging foundation and traineeships.

In addition, further targeted measures will be developed in consultation with the social partners to support labour market integration of women returnees, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.