John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 621: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he has taken to meet with the his colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss the figures released by the Central Statistics Office which showed Waterford City as one of the unemployment black spots in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21145/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am in regular contact with my colleague Michéal Martin T.D. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding employment opportunities for both Waterford City and County. My Department participates in tri-partite meetings regularly with FÁS and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment on a National level to discuss Live Register management related issues and to develop systems to support the unemployed. In the Waterford Region officials from my Department are actively engaged with the County and City Development Boards and associated sub-committees around issues of unemployment and social inclusion. In addition, officials in Waterford meet regularly with local FÁS officials.

One of the key interventions in supporting the unemployed is the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) under which persons aged 18 and under 64 years who are approaching three months on the Live Register are identified by the my department and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to job placement or an offer of training. For those customers who are not regarded as ready for progression to work or training, a High Support Process is available.

The objective of this process, which is provided by FÁS Employment Services Officers and Local Employment Service Mediators to identify the intervention most appropriate to the needs of the customer. This support is arranged in consultation with my Department, the Department of Health and Children, and the Department of Education and Science.

I consider that the National Employment Action Plan has played and will continue to play an important role in assisting unemployed persons enter or return to the labour force.

My Department offers a range of services to facilitate and encourage customers to avail of training and further education. This includes the Back to Education Scheme where customers are actively encouraged to continue their education while continuing to receive payment. Customers can avail of short courses as well as more formal courses in second and third level education.

In addition, my Department through its Employment Support Service provides funding for special projects run by third parties to assist unemployed and other welfare recipients, as well as members of their families, to improve their employability through education, training and personal development. The Department sees the fund as a means of supporting innovative responses to increasing employability and tackling social inclusion.

Since 1 January, 2007 nine projects have been funded in the Waterford area, expenditure totalling €203, 577. The fund is operated in a manner that enables a quick response to any needs identified.