Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, given that the most recent figures released from the Central Statistics Office show an 84% increase in unemployment in Portlaoise over the past year, there is an urgent need for FÁS and local agencies to commence upskilling and re-training programmes in Portlaoise, to ensure that those who have recently been made unemployed in the county, particularly those in the building and construction sector, can be retrained and prepared for re-entry into the labour market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18660/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Social and Family Affairs maintains the Live Register. The total number of people recorded on the Live Register for April 2008 is 195,598. The number of people signing on the live register in Portlaoise in April 2007 was 935 while the number signing on had increased to 1,593 in April 2008, a year-on-year increase of 70.4%. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment benefit.

Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey, collated and published by the Central Statistics Office. The most recent Quarterly National Household Survey, Quarter 4, 2007 (September-November) indicates that employment has increased by 66,800 in the year. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.5%.

The increase in the live register figures, while unwelcome, must be seen in the context of the major increase in employment over the last number of years, with the anticipated period of adjustment now being experienced. The predictions for the medium term are for continued employment growth, albeit at a slower pace than that experienced to date.

FÁS, as the national training and employment authority, has the remit to provide a range of proactive job-related services, supports and programmes, to assist individuals remain in and return to the labour market. The Agency also promotes workforce development by upgrading the competencies and qualifications of individuals and by providing and facilitating targeted training programmes and services to both employers and employees. FÁS provides its services in Co. Laois through the FÁS Employment Services Office in Portlaoise and Clinics in Portarlington, Mountmellick and Rathdowney. The estimated FÁS expenditure on services in Co. Laois during 2008 is €9.05m.

FÁS has a fast track redundancy notification system in place with my Department, to ensure a speedy and appropriate response is provided to redundant workers. Each response is tailored on a case-by-case basis. Since January 2008, FÁS has been advised of two collective redundancies in Co. Laois — one in the construction sector and the other in the services sector.

On receipt of official notification, FÁS made contact with the HR Manager of both companies and offered the full range of services including; intensive interviews, individually and/or in groups, with affected workers. These interviews outlined the range of supports and services available. Ongoing support and action is provided by FÁS to keep redundant workers in touch with the Labour Market. Preparation of a 'Skills Analysis Report' based on identified workers' needs and local opportunities. Referral of redundant workers to jobs, upskilling/retraining courses/training courses or where necessary FÁS established special or customised courses. FÁS also liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the City/County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It also works closely with the agencies to identify and support individuals who wish to start their own business.

FÁS is currently developing a strategy in response to the current slowdown in the construction sector and any anticipated future redundancies. This strategy will contain a number of initiatives/measures such as working in close collaboration with the Construction Industry Federation and other key stakeholders to encourage redundant construction workers to seek retraining in skills that are in short supply in the economy.

The Laois County Enterprise Board provide a source of support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The Board supports individuals, firms and community groups provided that the proposed projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. Such supports include business related training courses for owner-managers and their staff, one-to-one mentoring provided by business specialists, in company training and start your own business courses. In 2007 194 people availed of such training programmes run by the Laois CEB. During 2008 Laois CEB will continue to support enterprise development throughout the county and will continue to be proactive in ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximize entrepreneurial development in the region.

Finally, the IDA is investing in the physical infrastructure required to attract new FDI to County Laois, this includes investing €3.2m in a quality flagship Business Park in Portlaoise which is now an integral part of the agency's international marketing programme. The Park has a modern 17,000 sq ft advance office building, which is available for marketing to inward investors. The necessary infrastructure, including ducting for broadband. IDA has received planning permission for 2 x 25,000 sq ft advance technology buildings. In addition, the OPW on behalf of the Department of Agriculture & Food approached IDA Ireland to provide 9 acres of land for the development of the Departments new National Headquarters on the IDA flagship Park in Portlaoise. These developments will help to absorb some of the excess capacity that is emerging from the new house building sector.

While the slowdown in new house building has resulted in an increase in unemployment, overall employment is forecast to continue to grow, albeit at a reduced rate than heretofore, thereby providing new job opportunities.