The Work Placement Programme was jointly launched by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Mary Hanafin, and I on 27 May last. My Department and FÁS are co-operating closely in relation to its roll-out. Under the programme there are two streams each consisting of 1,000 places of six months duration. The first stream is for graduates who before this year have attained a full award at level seven or above on the National Framework of Qualifications and who have been receiving Job Seeker's Allowance for the last six months. The second stream is open to all other individuals who have been receiving Job Seeker's Allowance for the last six months.
To date 106 people have made applications under both streams, 76 under the graduate placement programme and 30 under the programme which is open to all other individuals. In terms of employer interest, FÁS have received 108 requests for information and 27 employers have been registered. As FÁS are currently in the process of managing placements under both programmes it is too early in the process to provide specific information on placements by sector at this time.
I am determined that placements under both programmes are organised as quickly as possible to ensure that the valuable work experience opportunities which they offer are available to all who wish to avail of them.