Vol. 547 No. 3
137 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she proposes to make extra funds available to FÁS or other agencies to facilitate retraining, where job losses have occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3621/02]
Public funding to FÁS from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Vote and the National Training Fund for 2002 is €853,947,000. This funding includes provision for training and other interventions to assist unemployed people to find employment. This allows FÁS to engage with up to 100,000 persons, including through apprenticeship, other training and employment schemes.
The FÁS response to the current economic slowdown is based on providing immediate assistance and support to those affected. In relation to company layoffs and closures, FÁS has played a very positive role over the last few years in helping individuals threatened with redundancies. The process typically involves the following components: top-level agreement with the company and other organisations on responsibilities and actions; intensive interviews, individually and-or in groups, with affected workers to outline the range of supports and services available; preparation of a skills analysis report by FÁS based on identified workers' needs and local opportunities; referral by FÁS of redundant workers to jobs, training courses or other options; establishment by FÁS of special or customised training courses where necessary; and ongoing support and action to keep redundant workers in touch with the labour market.
The essence of FÁS support is provided through the model set out above. However, within the available budget, FÁS continues to develop its services through, for example, efforts to increase the flexibility and customisation of training. This can include buying training from other providers including, potentially, companies themselves. FÁS is also developing broader opportunities for personal support to persons having to cope with the trauma of redundancy.
