Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the response in policy terms of his Department to the increase in female labour force participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12068/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the success of the Irish economy over the last decade there has been a considerable increase in the numbers in employment and thus the demand for labour. This demand has been partly met by increased participation, particularly by women, in the labour force.

The continuing growth of the economy is dependent on the ongoing expansion of the labour force. One of the main challenges facing us is the ability to meet this expansion and greater female participation will continue to be a very important element in this regard. The current employment rate for women in Ireland is 57.2%, which represents an increase of 12.6% since 1997. At EU level, under the Lisbon Agenda, a female employment rate target of 60% to be met by 2010 has been set. The Employment in Europe 2004 report predicts that Ireland is likely to reach this target.

The Government will continue to pursue policies-initiatives in the areas of child care, taxation, social benefits and flexible, family-friendly working arrangements to encourage and enable women to take up employment.

A number of specific measures aimed at encouraging greater participation by women are being undertaken by FÁS, including: expanding the workforce programme, the aim of which is to provide a gateway for women returners into the labour market; and the introduction of the child care allowance scheme which aims to facilitate more people, particularly women, to take up FÁS training programmes, with a view to taking up employment in the mainstream economy.