Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The figures I provided show that over 50% of the 49,300 were placed. Some 7,000 were placed directly and another 17,000 left the live register. I presume they got employment too, but did not need the assistance of FÁS to do so. However, they would have interacted with FÁS. Out of that interaction that 17,000 decided they were in a position to work.

I am not saying we have reached the end of the development of the process. I agree there is a need to enhance further the ability and co-relation between my Department and FÁS to get as many people as possible out of the social welfare system, where they are entirely dependent, into the workplace. We need to facilitate that, whether through education, training or other ways, in order to help them achieve either part-time or full-time employment. I want to see more done.

The Deputy may have noted that in my response to the question, I indicated a substantial increase in the number of additional facilitators to help this process forward. I also mentioned the scheme that will be implemented in County Westmeath this year. There is innovation in this area. I have attended many FÁS graduation ceremonies over the past number of years and have spoken to people from all walks of life who said that without FÁS, they would be nowhere. We would like to see a higher volume of people employed and off the social welfare system. FÁS is only one of the elements involved in achieving that and it cannot be entirely achieved through it.

See this speech in context