Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1993

Vol. 436 No. 1

Written Answers. - Unemployment Crisis.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

60 Mr. Broughan asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the increasing momentum and success of the Government's actions to deal with the unemployment crisis, it is imperative that all measures to deal with that crisis, including training, back-to-work placement, job contact, community enterprise and partnership schemes in very high unemployment areas, should be centred in and directed from the Department of Enterprise and Employment because of the overview and central planning necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Taoiseach

The Government outlined clearly in the National Development Plan the particular importance which they attach to tackling the problem of areas characterised by high levels of unemployment and social exclusion. This importance is clearly in line with the arrangements developed by the Central Review Committee of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, which is attached to my Department, for an area-based approach to dealing with the needs of the long term unemployed.

At national level, the Government has established an Interdepartmental Policy Committee on Local Development, chaired by my Department in direct consultation with the Office of the Tánaiste, and with participation from all relevant Departments. I believe that these arrangements provide for the necessary degree of co-ordination, planning and direction, while supporting clear responsibility and scope for initiative at local level.