Vol. 484 No. 3
69 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÁS trainees who gained full-time employment on completion of their training in 1996; and if she has satisfied herself that sufficient numbers of trainees are getting full-time employment. [22092/97]
83 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÁS trainees who gained full-time employment on completion of their training in 1996; and if she has satisfied herself that sufficient numbers of trainees are getting full-time employment. [22093/97]
105 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÁS trainees who gained full-time employment on completion of their training in 1996; and if she has satisfied herself that sufficient numbers of trainees are getting full-time employment. [22089/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 83 and 105 together.
The latest figures available from FÁS are for the year 1996. These figures indicate that approximately 30,000 persons, an increase of approximately 15 per cent on the previous year, completed FÁS training courses in that year. Of this number, approximately 12,500, 41 per cent were on mainstream training courses, for example, specific skills training, focused on employment and employment related skills. The last follow-up survey, completed in mid-1997, showed that 75 per cent of trainees on such mainstream courses were in employment 18 months later.
The remaining 17,500 were on training courses from which immediate full time employment was not a primary objective. These courses included foundation skills, work experience or other support measures. In certain circumstances, FÁS would consider that progression to a higher skills level may be a more desirable outcome for trainees than immediate placement in low paid employment. However, approximately 50 per cent of this group were placed at the end of their courses. Follow up surveys show that approximately 25 per cent of the group progressed onto further FÁS programmes or returned to education.
While there is always room for improvement in the numbers securing long-term employment, I am satisfied that FÁS is acting in the best interests of its trainees and making every effort to increase the placement rates for participants where appropriate.
