David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reform of FÁS he has instigated since unemployment has fallen to below 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15557/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The role and functions of FÁS are reviewed on an ongoing basis through the formation of its Statements of Strategy. The current FAS Strategy Statement outlines the vision and direction for FAS for the period 2006 to 2009. The Strategy is closely aligned to the policy goals of my Department and was developed in close collaboration with my Department. In addition a comprehensive internal and external consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders was undertaken by FAS. In the past, labour market policy emphasis has been on those outside the workforce. The Strategy recognises the changes in the labour market including the low level of unemployment and an increased emphasis is placed on the need to rebalance education and training towards up-skilling those in work. Additional funding has been provided to FÁS to enable them to increase capacity and activity in this area through the 'One Step Up' and other initiatives. FAS also continues to provide a range of services to the unemployed with particular emphasis on the those who have difficulty in accessing the labour market such as people with disabilities, women returnees and early school leavers. The focus in this area will be on the provision of training and employment programmes, which will assist these groups to enter or re-enter the labour market or progress to further job-related training. The FAS statement of Strategy is available on the FAS website at www.fas.ie.