Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
294 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which the high supports process of the employment action plan began; the number of persons who have availed of the high supports process since its inception; the number who are now in employment following engagement in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29877/04]
View answer295 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the high supports process of the employment action plan has been extended to all regions in the country; the regions that are using the high supports process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29878/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
The high support process was developed and introduced in response to a commitment made under Framework IV of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, and follows detailed consultations with the social partners under the aegis of the PPF standing committee on the labour market chaired by my Department is to provide additional supports to meet the needs of those clients who, because of age, health, literacy or other barriers are unlikely to succeed in obtaining and keeping a job in the open labour market.
Having commenced as a pilot in Dublin, Cork, Letterkenny, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Dundalk, Sligo and Waterford in mid-2003, the high supports process was extended nationwide in 2004. Approximately 340 participants availed of the additional supports in 2003 and for the first six months of 2004, approximately 180 participants have engaged with the process.
As the target group comprises persons most distanced from the labour market, it is difficult to confirm the exact numbers placed in employment following engagement under the high supports process. While FÁS makes every effort to track clients under the process, many who subsequently progress to employment do not advise FÁS. Data on clients who engage under this process form part of the overall progress reports made in respect of the national employment action plan, NEAP. The latest figures available for NEAP indicate that of those clients referred during January-June 2004, 41%-51% — this varies depending on the unemployment duration — left the live register. An evaluation of the high support process has been commissioned by FÁS the outcome of which is expected by the end of December 2004. Any future developments of the high supports process or extension to other client groups will be considered in light of the findings of the evaluation.
