A range of supports are provided by my Department's locally based facilitators to persons in active age groups who are dependent on social welfare payments. The primary role of facilitators is to assist the long-term unemployed and other long-term welfare dependants back to work, training or further education by providing them on an individual basis with assistance to access the necessary programmes or supports which their circumstances demand. Facilitators have access to some additional services, such as the special projects and family services funds, which provide funding for specialised training and supports for those who are distant from the labour market and who need additional help in preparing them for further training and employment.
One of the supports targeted specifically at the unemployed is the employment action plan, EAP, under which customers, aged 18 to 54 years, who are approaching six months on the live register, are systematically referred to FÁS for guidance, intervention or placement.
Under this process, a total of 108,134 individuals was referred to FÁS for interview during the period 2002 to 2004. Some 70,313 persons were interviewed, of whom 22,540 were placed in jobs-FÁS programmes or other education or training.
In addition to the referral process outlined, a further initiative commenced in May 2003. Under this process, all customers aged between 18 and 55 years who are over six months on the live register and who have not been previously selected for the EAP are being selected for referral to FÁS where they are offered interventions similar to those available under the EAP.
A total of 20,216 persons was referred to FÁS under this process over the period 2002 to 2004. Some 14,164 persons were interviewed, of whom 2,902 were placed in jobs-FÁS programmes or other education or training.
Certain customers referred through the EAP process may face severe employability issues which are not amenable to resolution within the normal range of interventions available. To assist such customers a high supports process was established in 2003 by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
As part of this process, local networks of relevant service providers are being established in certain areas in conjunction with FÁS and my Department's facilitators. People identified as suffering severe employability issues are referred to the local networks and appropriate avenues identified to enhance employability. A special fund is available to purchase specialist training or interventions that may be required to assist an individual.
My Department, through its employment support and other services, has assisted many people away from the cycle of long-term unemployment and back into the workforce. The services provided, particularly their continued relevance and flexibility, are under constant review. I am particularly interested in advancing measures that blend activation with supports and that make the transition from welfare to work as seamless as possible.