asked the Minister for Labour the function of the National Manpower Service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Manpower Service.
24.
The functions of the National Manpower Service may be summarised as follows:
(1) the placement of job seekers in employment best suited to their abilities, training and inclinations;
(2) the guidance of persons seeking employment, including advice on training opportunities;
(3) encouraging employers to notify vacancies to the service and referring suitable job seekers for vacancies which are notified;
(4) the collection of information on the supply of and demand for manpower on a local, regional and national basis;
(5) minimising, as far as possible, the effects of redundancies;
(6) administering the Resettlement Assistance Scheme which provides financial help for workers who have to leave their homes to take up employment elsewhere;
(7) co-operating with other agencies in implementing the Government's policies on manpower and development generally.
Could I ask the Minister how this body performs its functions in relation to encouraging employers to notify them of vacancies?
Through its connection with the local training committees. The improvement of this service requires the co-operation of employers, and this is an aspect that requires continued development, because obviously the National Manpower Service will be seriously handicapped in its work if it does not receive this co-operation.
May I ask the Minister how this body performs that function at the moment of seeking the co-operation of employers?
By daily contact with employers in the area, contact with educational interests, phone conversations, trade meetings and so on.
Has any circular been sent to employers in the past few months asking them——
I have given the Deputy a lot of latitude. We must make some progress.
I am sorry, Sir, but this question——
There are over 300 Questions on the Order Paper. We have reached only 24.
May I just ask the Minister if any circular has been sent to employers in the last three months asking them to notify the National Manpower Service of vacancies that arise in their firms?
I could not answer specifically in relation to the last three months.
Would the Minister consider asking the National Manpower Service to do this?
The Chair has called the next question.
25.
asked the Minister for Labour if any reports of the National Manpower Service are published; and, if not, why.
The National Manpower Service is a part of my Department which has not published an annual report up to now.
I am informed that, as the work of the Department, including that of the National Manpower Service, came under review in the House in the annual Estimate debate, and on other occasions, it was not considered necessary to publish an annual report.
I am at present reviewing the general position as to availability of information on the work of the Department.
Would the Minister not now agree that the fact that there are no reports of the National Manpower Service published hinders their work in not bringing the functions of this Department to the notice of employers?
Whatever one may say about the National Manpower Service, its productivity on the lines of producing circulars is not in doubt. However, I will consider again the advisability, as I said at the end of this reply here, of presenting, possibly, an annual report of the work of the Department.
And copies sent to every employer?
And every Deputy.
26.
asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied with the fact that the National Manpower Service has been able to place in employment only 14 per cent of those on its register; and if he will state the proposals he has, other than increasing personnel, for improving the effectiveness of this service.
I would, of course, like to see a greater proportion of the people registered with the National Manpower Service placed in employment. The percentage placed in the last three months, however, is not a reflection on the effectiveness of the service but rather a reflection of the job situation. I indicated in reply to a question from the Deputy on 11th July that nearly 60 per cent of vacancies notified—72 per cent when cancellations were taken into account—were filled in the last three months and I consider this a good performance.
The main problem in placing people is the shortage of suitable jobs. There are also problems of lack of skills among the registrants and the unattractiveness of a number of vacancies on offer. It is also the case that employers are not using the service as widely as I would like.
The effectiveness of the service can best be raised by getting more employers to use it. I am therefore arranging more publicity for the service in this field by more intensive personal canvassing of employers by the placement staff and other forms of publicity including the wide circulation of a brochure on the work of the service which, I hope, will be available soon.
Will the Minister agree there is need for a fresh look at this service.
There is need for a fresh look at every aspect of Government work.
But that this one needs it particularly?