Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 4

Written Answers. - Unemployment Levels.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

21 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the recent report of the Combat Poverty Agency which found that nine of 11 areas identified as unemployment blackspots were located in Dublin; the steps, if any, she proposes to take to deal with the continuing problem of long-term unemployment in areas of Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8319/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The level of unemployment and of long-term unemployment continues to fall with the standardised unemployment rate of 6.8 per cent. However, the Government recognises that unemployment continues to have a particular high concentration in some communities which must be tackled vigorously. In this context I have noted the recent Combat Poverty Agency report referred to by the Deputy.

This year I have extended the local employment service to an additional seven areas, mostly urban, increasing the total number of local employment services to 25. The particular focus of the local employment service is on persons most removed from the labour market. It is also my intention during the course of this year to ensure that the co-ordination which exists between FÁS and the LES network is further developed and improved in the interests of the users of those services. The Government's employment action plan is being implemented vigorously and is having a very positive effect in encouraging young adults into jobs and training opportunities. With effect from May 1999, it will be extended to persons aged 25 to 34, who are 12 months unemployed, with a view to offering them job guidance or a quality training or education place. This process of systematic engagement will in, due course, be extended to further cohorts of long-term unemployed on a phased basis.

This year I have also provided for over 11,000 places on new active labour market initiatives, most of which are targeted at the long-term unemployed.

Taking these together with the pro-work measures in the 1999 budget will, I believe, substantially improve the employment prospects of persons living in areas of high unemployment.