Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
286 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that areas of Dublin (details supplied) have large numbers of residents who are long-term unemployed; his strategy to address particular black spots like this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two major elements to the Government's response to unemployment —Pathways to Work and the Action Plan for Jobs. The aim of Pathways to Work is to develop a new approach to engaging with people on the Live Register, particularly those who are long-term unemployed. The public employment services are being reformed as part of this process, to provide better targeted services to both job seekers and employers.
Pathways to Work includes the objective of ensuring that at least 75,000 of those currently long-term unemployed will move into employment by 2015. The labour market activation measures outlined in Pathways to Work include over 85,000 job placement/work experience places to be delivered in 2012 by the Department of Social Protection, and over 450,000 training and education places to be delivered by the Department of Education and Skills. The Action Plan for Jobs underpins the work of the enterprise development agencies under my Department's remit, which provides a range of supports to companies including in the areas of interest to the Deputy.
Specifically targeting communities, a new Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) Development Programme has been developed for the maintenance or establishment of a strong business development function in the Community Enterprise Centres funded by Enterprise Ireland. Action Community and Enterprise Ltd manages two Enterprise Centres in Bawnogue and Neilstown which accommodate 42 small enterprises that account for 143 jobs. Enterprise Ireland has also supported the recent refurbishment of the Neilstown Enterprise Centre under the previous CEC Development Scheme 2007/09.
I understand that applications have been made under the current CEC programme for funding for Business Development Managers for Neilstown, Killinarden and Bolbrook/Brookfield Enterprise Centres. The decision on applications for funding will be announced in June. In 2011, South Dublin County Enterprise Board assisted 38 projects to the value of €357,682 which resulted in the creation of 45 jobs. 464 training participants availed of South Dublin CEB training/mentoring courses in 2011. During 2012, South Dublin CEB will continue to support enterprise development in the area through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at county level.
