Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his assessment of the failure of 9,000 people on the live register to turn up for interviews with FÁS; the implications of this for training and employment policy in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37943/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the Government's National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) Preventive Strategy, people aged between 18 and 64 years and who are approaching three months' duration on the Live register, are systematically referred by the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) to FÁS for interview with a view to assisting them enter/re-enter employment.

During the period January to December 2005, 40,718 persons were referred to FÁS for interview. Of these 9,139 failed to attend. More recently, during the period January to July 2006 (the last period for which full data is available), 22,251 persons were referred to FÁS under this process. Of these 4,590 persons on their responsibility did not attend on the scheduled date. FÁS reports to DSFA in respect of each person referred. Every case of failed attendance is examined by DSFA and, in these circumstances, a person's continued entitlement to welfare payment may be reviewed.

The effectiveness of the National Employment Action Plan Preventive Strategy was independently reviewed last year by Indecon Economic Consultants. The overall findings were positive and the report concluded that the NEAP had resulted in significant savings to the Exchequer and had contributed to maintaining the low level of unemployment.

In response to the findings of the report the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, FÁS and the Department of Social and Family Affairs have developed and agreed an Action Plan.