I propose to take
Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.
I have recently published full results of the outcomes of the first month of implementation of the preventative strategy. I have arranged to have a copy of the report forwarded to the Deputy.
A total of 884 persons were scheduled to be interviewed by FÁS by end October 1998. By that date 41 per cent of these had actually signed off the live register. Of this 884, a total of 454 persons were actually interviewed and 42 per cent of these were placed in a job or placed in, or referred to, a training programme.
A further 34 per cent continue to receive FÁS supports following their first guidance interview. Intensive interventions in the forms of further guidance, counselling, labour market programmes and job clubs supports are provided for this cohort attuned to the individual needs of clients to prepare them for transition into employment.
No current action was being taken by FÁS in relation to the remaining 24 per cent of those interviewed, as persons had either dropped out of the process or declined an offer of intervention or no action was taken due to their personal circumstances. In many of these latter cases the persons concerned had by the end of October, left the live register. Over time, the EAP process will provide a detailed profile of young unemployed and will assist in developing and designing further appropriate interventions.
