Vol. 492 No. 7
113 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific commitments, if any, set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium which have been implemented in full; the commitments, if any, implemented in part; the commitments, if any, initiated; the commitments, if any, yet to be initiated and implemented by her Department. [15041/98]
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Action Programme Objectives |
Current Position |
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Establishing a 25,000 place programme to tackle long-term unemployment. |
The Community Employment Part-Time Job Option (11,000 places) is being adapted into a Rate for the Job Option (RFTJ) on a phased basis and the operational basis for implementing this is being agreed with the Social Partners. It should begin later this year. |
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Support Euro wide employment measures. |
An Action Plan on Employment has been prepared and published, in April 1998, in the context of the 1998 EU Guidelines on Employment. Includes a target to reduce unemployment to 7 per cent by 2000. An integral part of the plan is consultation with social partners. |
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The introduction of a national minimum hourly wage, following early consultation with the social partners. |
Following the publication of the report of the Minimum Wage Commission work is proceeding apace in the Interdepartmental Group. The group's work is to include an impact study on Competitiveness and Jobs as recommended by the Commission. |
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Refocus enterprise policy across all regions. |
This is already a priority for the IDA and will be a major focus for Enterprise Ireland. |
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Deliver client-centred approach in the State's interface with business. |
Government has approved the establishment of a new client- centred agency for indigenous enterprise. Target for establishment of “Enterprise Ireland” is July, 1998. |
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Streamline structures and programmes for increased competitiveness. |
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Enhance provision of seed and development capital for start-up businesses. |
The Access to Finance Scheme (AFS) which operated under the Small Business Operational Programme (SBOP) was recently reviewed. As a result, an in-depth research study of the financial needs of small business has been commissioned. Representatives of the Department, Forbairt and Bank of Ireland have agreed a new Seed Investment Fund. This fund was announced by the Tánaiste on Thursday, 4 June, 1998, and is called the Enterprise 2000 Fund. The fund is now operational. |
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The promotion of enterprise by establishing an environment which is conducive to innovation and commercial risk- taking. |
National Competitiveness Council published on 11th March 1998, its first Annual Report and Summary Statement on Competitiveness. The report highlights key areas for action to improve competitiveness. In 1998, the Council will focus its attention on four areas in particular i.e. skills, costs, telecommunications and the information society. Interdepartmental Group on Competitiveness was established in May, 1998 to pursue follow-up action on Council's report recommendations. |
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Growing and improving access to employment through a major drive aimed at raising the skills profile of people, through education and higher investment by firms in training and human resources development. |
First Business, Education and Training Partnership Forum took place on 18 June. The initial report of the Expert Group on Future Skills, which focused on technological skill shortages, has now been completed and presented both to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and to the Minister for Education and Science. A Training Awareness Programme, conducted jointly by ICTU and IBEC, at the behest of the Department, will be initiated shortly with the assistance of European funding under the ADAPT Programme. |
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The Establishment of an employer led Training Networks Programme on a three year pilot basis has been announced by the Tánaiste. Its aim is to encourage and add impetus to Irish business drive towards the adoption of best practice standards in human resources. A sum of £2 million has been made available for 1998 for this initiative. |
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The development of a strategy to deal with the likely contraction of EU funds for training, enterprise and infrastructure after 1999. |
Strategy is being developed in conjunction with the Department of Finance. |
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The upgrading of the early-warning system to identify emerging competitive difficulties in companies. |
Early Warning System is being reviewed. |
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Develop a new system of traineeships and examine the role and structure of FÁS. |
A major drive on traineeship is being undertaken by a new Traineeship Unit in FÁS. |
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Participation in traineeships will be substantially exceeded in 1998. The new enterprise support agency “Enterprise Ireland” will now incorporate role and functions of Forbairt, ABT and appropriate elements of FÁS ‘Services to Business’ division. |
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Provide return to work opportunities for women in the home. |
A Working Group has been established under Partnership 2000 Agreement to look at this. |
