Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he intends to take to create a more inclusive labour market with particular reference to areas of disadvantage where unemployment levels are up to three times the national average; if he has specific proposals for upskilling and training where redundancies and vulnerability of jobs in the manufacturing sector have decimated employment levels in certain areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31614/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In pursuit of the objectives of the national spatial strategy, the efforts of IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the city-county enterprise boards are directed towards the promotion of employment and investment in all areas of the country.

As regards helping those who are unemployed to enter the labour market, under the national employment action plan, FÁS engages intensively those who have been unemployed for six months. They are referred automatically by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to FÁS for advice and assistance.

Particular emphasis is placed on the identification of training needs and on the provision of tailored responses. There is also a customised training fund to enable unemployed persons access training that is not readily available through FÁS or other State providers.

The local employment service, LES, which is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through FÁS, also provides an intensive guidance and placement service to persons who are most distant from the labour market.

The National and Economic Social Forum, NESF, on which FÁS and DETE are represented, has completed a final report, Creating a More Inclusive Labour Market, which will be presented to Government. Its conclusions and recommendations should make a significant contribution towards influencing and informing future policy in this area.

In relation to redundancies, FÁS has a policy of early intervention whereby they offer a range of customised services to companies which are facing closure or to employees who have been notified of impending redundancy. Responses range from the establishment and co-ordination of multi-agency teams to specifically address the needs of the employees affected and the provision on site of the full range of FÁS employment services. FÁS makes contact with the companies concerned as soon as they are notified of proposed redundancies. This pro-active approach has been very successful to date. As part of the new FÁS strategy, a review of the FÁS response to company closures is under way. The outcome of this review will inform future developments in this area.