Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Does the Minister accept that the transfer of FÁS staff to his Department provides an opportunity to set up a proper one-stop shop system for unemployed people? This seems to be the weakest link currently, as unemployed people cannot get basic information about available training schemes. Specifically, it seems there is nobody within the Department in a position to advise unemployed people about the implications if they move from welfare to work with regard to welfare payments, in-work supports, tax, PRSI and so on. Will the Minister give an assurance that this will be made a priority and this kind of specific advice will be available to unemployed people, most of whom want to move from welfare to work?

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