asked the Minister for Labour if he has any proposals to establish an active manpower agency that would seek out attractive and favourable work opportunities for young Irish graduates within the EC.
Written Answers. - Work Opportunities for Graduates.
103.
One of the functions of FÁS is to assist young Irish graduates in seeking out and obtaining work opportunities in the European Community. FÁS operate the EC sponsored SEDOC information exchange system on job seekers and job vacancies which helps citizens of the EC who wish to take up employment in another member state. In addition, FÁS manage a number of programmes as part of their day to day activities aimed at helping graduates obtain experience abroad including the Youth European Orientation Programme and the European Export Marketing Programme. Graduates and others may obtain information on these activities at any FÁS office. Careers and appointments officers in third-level colleges also help graduates find employment, including employment abroad. Many major international companies contact these officers.
In the light of the above activities and the need to simplify our arrangements for assisting job seekers, I do not see a case for setting up a separate agency specialising in the placement of graduates within the European Community.