asked the Minister for Labour the progress which has been made on the implementation of the social guarantee for young unemployed early school leavers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployed School Leavers.
14.
I assigned the Youth Employment Agency responsibility for implementating the "Social Guarantee" for young people. The guarantee is being directed initially at early school leavers and these will be identified to the National Manpower Service by the school authorities.
The guarantee was introduced on a pilot basis in Dún Laoghaire, Coolock, Cavan and Waterford early this year. This resulted in a significant number of young persons participating in AnCO courses who would not have otherwise done so. The operation is now being extended to all areas in the State.
The guarantee will be operated through local liaison groups which are being formed around each National Manpower Service office. These groups, 47 in all, are being briefed at present and should be operational by the end of the year. Educational agencies are participating fully in the guarantee and will be represented on the liaison groups.
At national level an advisory board is being put in place to advise on the implementation and operation of the guarantee.
I am very glad that the scheme has been extended nationally. Are there difficulties, and is the Minister reasonably happy that AnCO are able to locate and make contact with those young people?
The Deputy will be aware that it is early yet to get a comprehensive picture. I am informed by the YEA that they are satisfied their schemes are operating as they had hoped in the four pilot areas. There has been a significant increase in the numbers who would not otherwise have got work. The agency have concentrated on young people most at risk, those who would not otherwise be continuing their training and who would be among those low in job prospects. It will take us a number of months before we can form a detailed opinion.
Would the Minister indicate whether the existing courses are adequate to meet needs? Is there a need for new courses to cover people who could not find their way into courses in the past?
This is kept constantly under review and if changes are necessary in AnCO it will undoubtedly be brought to my attention.