Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 2

Written Answers. - FÁS Programme Applicants.

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

163 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the complaints of ageism, if any, his Department has received in relation to the FÁS approach to applicants; and his views on whether there is a need for training and awareness in FÁS in relation to this issue. [14798/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I am not aware of any complaints having been made to my Department in which FÁS was accused of discriminating against any eligible applicant for a place on its programmes on the basis of their age, nor would I condone any such practice.

FÁS has assured me that it is sensitive to client needs and that it continues to use its best endeavours to ensure that its clients are dealt with in a fair and equitable manner. In view of the board range of programmes available from FÁS for various age groups, it is not considered necessary to develop specific programmes to address ageism.