asked the Minister for Labour if he will report to the House on the Manpower service section of his Department with particular regard to its relations with the public; and the steps being taken to introduce modern technology into the service to increase its effectiveness and efficiency.
Written Answers. - National Manpower Service.
20.
Government policy in relation to the placement and guidance services emphasises the responsibility of these services in respect of the unemployed. The placement and guidance services of the National Manpower Service are giving priority attention to the implementation of the various Government-funded schemes to help those most in need — the long term unemployed and first time job seekers. To this end the NMS is being developed as the single point of contact for all State services relating to employment schemes, training and employment.
In the training of staff in the National Manpower Service, special emphasis is given to the need for tact and sensitivity in dealing with members of the public. This is considered especially important as many users of the Manpower Service are suffering from the trauma of unemployment.
I am at present taking steps for comprehensive advertising and publicity including the design of new brochures etc. which will give an overall picture of the options open to the unemployed with particular reference to the long term unemployed and first time job seekers. This is in addition to the quite comprehensive information materials already available and media advertising.
Computerised facilities have been introduced in the O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier House, Coolock, Finglas, Dún Laoghaire and Bray offices of the eastern region of the National Manpower Service. Computerising the job seekers register is a major operation because of its size. I expect, however, that all these offices will be fully computerised by the end of this year and the system will be extended to the remaining offices in the east region during 1986.
The recommendations from a feasibility study on the extension of computer facilities to all National Manpower Service offices outside the east region have been accepted. Tenders for consultants to oversee its implementation are being sought at present. My Department is currently developing computer systems for its employment schemes.