Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 2

Written Answers. - Live Register.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

68 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has considered a programme of action regarding the survey of live register participants in Galway city and county conducted by his Department in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20111/01]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Galway survey, which was conducted in May-June 2000, focused on unemployed customers, within the operational catchment area of the Galway local office, and the employment opportunities available to them. The total sample selected for interview was 1,697, of whom 1,197 were long-term customers.

Some of the main findings of the survey were low education levels, with 54% of the long-term customers compared to 25% of the short-term having only primary, or no formal education – literacy problems are a key issue. Some 34% of the long-term unemployed – 15% short-term – said they had a literacy difficulty; 11% of long-term customers have never worked. Some 75% of these have a literacy difficulty and 84% have only primary, or no formal education; just 23% of long-term and 32% of short-term customers felt they had experience to offer a prospective employer. The number who said they had a skill, or qualification were lower still. Access to transport was a difficulty with 36% of the long-term customers – 13% short-term – not having a car or suitable public transport. A total of 637 jobs were identified. However, 54% of the long-term unemployed did not have the minimum education requirement for any of the jobs identified. Some 31% of vacancies required a third level education, but just 3% of the long-term and 10% of the short-term unemployed had achieved this level.

The report on the findings of the survey was circulated widely at local level. In addition, its findings have been presented to and discussed with a range of agencies including, FÁS, Galway City Partnership, Galway Local Employment Service, Galway City VEC, and working groups within the Galway city and county development boards. Further consultation with these and other groups is planned for the coming months.

As part of its employment support programme, my Department is engaged in identifying and referring people on the live register who require a range of targeted supports, including further training or education, to help them make the transition to work. Systematic referrals to FÁS also take place as part of the extended employment action plan in Galway.