Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the closure of the Carrick-on-Suir jobs club; the rationale behind the decision; the alternative job creation facilities and advice centres that will be put in place in the town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28046/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The range and make-up of supports and services provided by FÁS at local level is a day-to-day operational matter for them, and is not an area in which I have any role to play.

I understand that in early 2008 FÁS raised concerns about the capacity of the Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club to meet the agreed targets. Representatives were advised by FÁS that if there was no progress towards achieving the targets funding would be discontinued.

Due to the Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club's continuing inability to achieve nationally agreed targets FÁS notified the Jobs Club of its decision to discontinue funding with effect from 30th June 2008. However this closing date has now been extended to 31st July 2008 to allow the Jobs Club another opportunity to produce an Action Plan showing how it intends to achieve the nationally agreed targets.

I can assure the Deputy that FÁS is continuing to liaise with community representatives in Carrick-on-Suir to explore options which will best serve Carrick-on-Suir in the months and years ahead in terms of employment and training supports.