Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
83 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has examined the potential for enhanced data sharing to improve the operation of the employment action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28149/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has worked closely with FÁS, in its capacity as the national training and employment service, over a number of years to enhance training and development opportunities available to unemployed customers and other customers. This close working arrangement has meant that a level of data exchange has always existed between my Department and FÁS. FÁS, for example, has access to certain elements of my Department's computer system to facilitate speedy processing of customers registering with it. Similarly, FÁS regularly sends batch data to my Department in respect of persons who have commenced or completed their training and development programmes.
Since 1998, there has been increased co-operation in the context of the preventative strategy of the employment action plan under which unemployed customers are systematically referred to FÁS to avail of training and development opportunities. This involves my Department forwarding details of persons' social welfare status to FÁS which in turn reports back on customers' progress within the process to my Department via an electronic transfer of codified information.
This co-operation was within the framework of a memorandum of understanding signed by both organisations. In April 2004, a new memorandum of understanding was signed which reflects the increased co-operation between the organisations as well as changes in the labour market environment in which we operate. The new memorandum contains an explicit commitment to enhance the sharing of relevant data and methods of doing this are being investigated currently by both organisations. Each organisation is examining its internal enhanced data requirements at present and a joint working group is being formed to progress matters. It is intended that enhanced data exchange will incorporate matters such as the specific type of training, employment or education offered by FÁS to persons participating in the employment action plan.
The data exchanged will also indicate whether a referred person is engaging fully in the process and availing of progression offers made by FÁS. The exchange of enhanced data will facilitate appropriate interventions being made by both organisations in a timely fashion. In addition to this, the memorandum has facilitated the establishment of local and regional networks where relevant personnel from both organisations meet on a regular basis to identify and resolve issues arising. The employment action plan is a significant tool in assisting persons on the live register being reintegrated into the labour market.
Exchange of data between my Department and FÁS is central to the success of the plan and both organisations are working to optimise the level and extent of data exchanged.
