Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú:

I think we have succeeded to a certain extent. Where there has been a redundancy in a company, it is easier to identify the linked companies. We have had some success in identifying the linked companies. With the sectoral one, it was much more difficult. That was not realty an option to the same extent because there was not the same regional aspect to a group of workers that could be worked with. There were not the same types of companies linked informally.

With regard to TalkTalk, the role of the FÁS co-ordination unit is very helpful because it can be the one to identify the various individuals, whether they were employed by TalkTalk or in the linked companies. It can talk through the options and supports and then consider various individualised possibilities, such as personalised services. We would have introduced a new element after the various reviews and audits. We introduced an expenses contribution scheme. We were getting feedback to suggest that while the fees we were willing to pay for further and higher education were helpful, there were additional expenses arising from attendance and participation in learning. We introduced a particular scheme on that basis that has been in operation for the TalkTalk staff. We understand from the feedback that it is very well received and is enhancing participation and learning.