Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 72: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employment opportunities will exist after re-training programmes have finished; if these upcoming sectors have developed sufficiently to absorb the new skill intensive workers; if job opportunities are not available after training, when she expects them to become available; the alternatives which will exist for jobseeker's if they can not be absorbed into the workforce after training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27102/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Despite the present unemployment challenge which we are currently facing I would like to point out that in the twelve months to the end of May 144,000 people left the Live Register as they had secured employment. This means that even in the most difficult period in terms of employment creation, jobs are still being created in our economy.

According to the FÁS paper Job Opportunities in the Downturn, and the more recent National Skills Bulletin by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs a number of areas are currently showing demand for labour, these include: § Repairs and Maintenance § Green Energy – installation and maintenance § Healthcare sector § Financial – Accountants/ risk managers and regulatory compliance § Marketing and Sales § Engineering - Software, design and process diagnostic engineering § IT –networking experts, programmers, telecommunications experts

The activation places that are available in both the education and training sectors are aimed at providing individuals with the skills so they can secure employment in areas that will be in demand. For instance my Department is currently providing through FÁS in excess of 129,000 training places for the unemployed. The majority of this provision, 92,000 are being provided under FÁS Training Initiatives Strategy and are short courses in specific skills training. These courses are designed to develop new skills and competencies for the unemployed to assist them in securing employment in specific sectors, where employment opportunities exist.

Those who are unemployed may also apply to participate in the Work Placement Programme, which provides 2000 unemployed individuals with a six-month work placement, while retaining their social welfare entitlements.