Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013
265. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of participants on labour market activation programme run in 2010 and 2011 in 2012 who were under 25 years; the total number aged under 25 years and unemployed for 12 months prior to participating in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10022/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Labour Market Activation Fund was launched in 2010 and its programmes completed in June 2011. Project providers were asked to capture the number of participants completing programmes on an under and over 35s basis. Of those who successfully completed programmes, some 6,781 were under the age of 35. In line with the eligibility criteria for this Fund, all participants had to be unemployed for more than 3 months in order to participate in the programme. Projects were not required to capture the number of participants who were unemployed for 12 months or more.
As part of the Government's "Action Plan for Jobs" initiative, FÁS is administering the Labour Market Education & Training Fund (LMETF), which was launched in December 2012 as MOMENTUM. This fund is a successor to the Labour Market Activation Fund and the aim of the Fund is to provide a range of quality, relevant education & training interventions for up to 6,500 individuals who are long-term unemployed.
Training will be provided within the context of four themes, three of which will support occupational clusters where demand and vacancies exist within certain Labour Market sectors. A fourth theme will focus on the specific needs of people under 25 who are unemployed, assisting them to access and/or return to the Labour Market.
The Department of Social Protection now has responsibility for Labour Market Activation programmes and policy.
