Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Most OECD countries have moved towards a situation where income support Departments have been merged with employment support agencies. Does the Minister think there is a case for doing that and for merging FÁS with the Department in order to provide a seamless service? Under the proposals for lone parents, it is the Department that is in touch with the lone parent until the child is seven years of age and then FÁS takes over. There is no continuity in that. Is there not a strong case for merging FÁS with the Department.

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