Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to establish a task force to provide support services to workers that have been made redundant in view of the spate of recent company closures; and if he will formulate employment solutions for vulnerable industries. [11384/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Since the establishment of the county development boards, the relevant CDB is now seen as the body that is best placed to oversee any additional response that is required over and above the work of the agencies under the auspices of my Department. IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS all play their part in developing a way forward for redundant workers.

In co-operation with the industrial development agencies and local interests, FÁS provides a comprehensive range of support services to workers who are facing redundancy and, in particular, where company closures arise. The process is flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of each closure. The services include the following: provision of intensive vocational guidance and counselling to the individuals affected; information on current job vacancies; assistance in CV preparation and interview techniques; advice and assistance on a comprehensive range of training options; identification of portable skills that can be applied to other sectors of employment; specially tailored and flexible training programmes; and assistance in investigating self-employment opportunities.

In the delivery of these services, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as area partnership companies, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the city and county enterprise boards. To further develop and inform FÁS services in this area, FÁS has commissioned an external review of its support services. The final report is expected shortly.