John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

First, as the Deputy will be aware, ministerial and departmental responsibility for matters concerning FÁS training programmes lies with the Tánaiste and Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, respectively. Local authorities have a strong record in carrying out work on behalf of local communities in areas such as the renovation of community buildings and general environmental work of great value at local level.

Arising out of a meeting between the Tánaiste, myself and the County and City Managers Association last year, local authorities are engaged with FÁS, with the support of my Department and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, to explore the potential of their involvement in training and employment opportunities in this regard. A working group representative of county and city managers and senior FÁS personnel has been established to advance this work as quickly as possible. Among the issues being considered are general job placements, support for redundant apprentices and placements for graduates and recently unemployed professionals. The areas referred to by the Deputy will also be considered under the relevant FÁS schemes such as the work placement programme. I assure the House of my continued support in this regard.

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