Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on adding extra incentives for people thinking about taking up FÁS courses, in view of the rise in unemployment, and with a view to providing an alternative to social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18655/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Unemployment has increased by only 15,200 in the three-year period since 2004 and must be seen in the context of the substantial increase in employment by 242,500 in the same period. The number of people currently in employment is 2,138,900. It is generally accepted that the strong rate of growth experienced over the past few years could not continue and the economy is now entering a period of adjustment.

Over the period of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, the Government will invest €7.7 billion in public funds to support training and skills development. This is a significant increase when compared with the level of spending over the previous seven year period (2000-2006) of €5.9 billion. The current level of investment reflects the importance the Government attaches to developing and maintaining an educated, skilled and adaptable work force in Ireland.

As part of this strategy, FÁS provides a range of services to the unemployed with particular emphasis on those who may have difficulty in accessing the labour market such as people with disabilities, women returnees and early school leavers. The focus is 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.

In addition, FÁS provides an integrated support service for anyone made redundant. This involves information sessions, skills analysis, training/retraining courses and job placement. In the delivery of these services, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the City/County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. FÁS also works closely with the agencies to identify and support individuals who wish to start their own business.