Brendan Howlin
Ceist:113 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the priorities set out in the FÁS end of year review. [4438/03]
Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.
The priorities outlined by FÁS in its review of 2002 and outlook for 2003 include prioritisation of services for the most disadvantaged groups; continued proactive intervention with unemployed persons; increased activities for companies and persons in employment; and an active role in respect of company layoffs and closures. These priorities are consistent with Government policy.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:114 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she intends to bring forward the promised national employment action plan; the way in which she intends the plan will work having regard to the closing off of so many labour market interventions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4435/03]
I am assuming this question refers to the ongoing implementation of the preventive strategy of engaging systematically with people at an early stage of unemployment, thus preventing the drift into long-term unemployment. In line with the commitment in the programme for Government in relation to this matter, a national roll-out, on a phased basis, of the preventive strategy to all persons who have been on the live register for more than six months will commence in the Dublin region in April 2003. The launch will be expanded to all regions from May onwards.
While the funding of the community employment scheme is being reduced to reflect the significant reduction in the numbers of long-term unemployed and the shift in emphasis away from work experience to training, investment in FÁS training programmes in 2003 is being maintained close to 2002 levels. FÁS will decide on the detailed priorities and breakdown of funding between schemes and activities from within these overall allocations.