Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I have no plans to merge the employment support services of FÁS with my Department. My focus is to work with FÁS to complement its work on behalf of people on social welfare payments. A high degree of co-operation and co-ordination exists between the Department and FÁS at policy and operational levels. Both sides operate under a memorandum of understanding that is updated periodically and currently under review. Senior officials of the Department hold regular joint meetings with FÁS and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. There are also regular meetings between officials of my Department and FÁS at regional and local levels.

The Department works closely with FÁS in providing opportunities for people on social welfare to access the range of training and employment services afforded by that organisation. An important area of this co-operation is in respect of the joint national employment action plan whereby people are referred to FÁS when they have been on the live register for three months. Provision has also been made in the national development plan for a social and economic participation programme aimed at all people of working age regardless of the circumstances that led them to require income maintenance. The programme builds on the Department's existing experience and relationship with the people concerned in co-operation with other relevant service providers, such as FÁS, VECs, the HSE and other local agencies.

The vision is of a single transparent system with a primary focus on the customer and a route map starting at the first point of engagement with the Department. A disability employment project will commence this year under the European Social Fund. This will involve the Department working with FÁS and other agencies to support people with disabilities in reaching their potential. I am satisfied that the existing arrangements with FÁS, together with the supporting activation measures undertaken by the Department, ensure that the social and economic progression of those most marginalised are being adequately addressed.

See this speech in context