Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

59 Mr. Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to a commitment made under Partnership 2000 in relation to the expansion and development of local employment services to all partnership areas; her views on the fact that the main-streaming of these services is only available in pilot areas at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10976/02]

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

69 Mr. Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that under the Partnership 2000 Agreement, commitment was made to extend local employment services to all partnership areas; and when this commitment might be fulfilled. [11308/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 69 together.

The local employment service was established in 1995 to engage with those most distant from the labour market. Currently, there are 26 local employment service networks operating nationally, two of which, Clare and Kildare, are in non-partnership areas. The number of partnership companies is 38.

The impact of the fast changing environment means that there will be a need for focus on those experiencing real difficulties accessing jobs in the open labour market. I am committed to ensuring that this focus continues and that the combined resources of both the local employment service and FÁS employment services are managed in such a way that the two strands of the new national employment service are complementary in helping those experiencing the most difficulty.

In December last year, I launched the FÁS statement of strategy 2002-2005 which clearly sets out in one of its priority goals, the need to stem the flow into long-term unemployment, through the provision of a range of programmes and services for unemployed people, with a particular focus on marginalised groups. Since 2001 a funding and operational framework agreement exists between FÁS and 24 partnership companies for the delivery of a local employment service.

In the overall context of the FÁS strategic review of policy, and the key role filled by the national employment service in meeting labour market policies and objectives, I have requested the FÁS board to undertake a review of the activities and resources of the national employment service to ensure that it is fully and properly equipped to carry out its essential tasks. This review will be carried out under the aegis of the employment service advisory committee on which my Department is represented at senior level.

I anticipate that the outcome of this review will inform future decisions on whether there should be further expansion of the local employment services.