Job Initiative.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Questions (126)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

185 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide details of the activation fund announced in budget 2010 that is intended to assist those who have lost their jobs, in the construction and other sectors, secure work, education or training; if the fund has commenced; the way in which an application is made; the amount approved to date in 2010; if the community sector can access this fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1248/10]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Labour Market Activation Fund announced in the Budget 2010 is intended to provide additional effective training and education opportunities to the unemployed through a market-driven and innovation seeking mechanism. It will specifically target the low skilled, the under 35s and those suffering from structural unemployment in the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors. The Government has made €20 million available for the Labour Market Activation Fund in 2010 and it is expected that a call for proposals will issue in the coming weeks with successful proposals starting to come on stream as soon as possible. All sectors of the economy including the public, private and community and voluntary sectors will be able to submit their proposals.