In 1987 the Manpower service launched a pre-departure information service for prospective emigrants, a service which is now operated by FÁS through its network of offices. They provide counselling and guidance in order to discourage unplanned emigration. They also offer advice on training schemes and unemployment programmes available locally. It is also envisaged that the recently launched Youth Reach programme aimed at early school leavers will offer assistance to those who are likely to emigrate without the necessary preparation. This programme will offer young people who leave school without qualification up to 24 months education and training through a combination of programmes selected to suit particular needs.
It is not the experience of the agencies that the vast majority of the people who go abroad are exploited. One of the enticements to emigrate for young people is the rates that they can get abroad. I could fill the Deputy in with the kind of rates they get without qualifications.