Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons living in south Tipperary who have applied for the Work Placement Programme and the number of persons who have been accepted; the number of work experience placements available in south Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44736/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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To date 66 graduates have applied for vacancies advertised under the Work Placement Programme in South Tipperary. These individuals were screened by FÁS for eligibility. They were then given the employer and vacancy details. They then forwarded their CVs for the employers' consideration. Out of the 66 applications, 3 have started positions with companies under the programme. Currently there are 7 positions available to be filled under the Work Placement Programme in South Tipperary.

Following a review of the Programme, I announced in November along with Minister Hanafin the revised criteria, that are intended to improve the accessibility of the Programme by amending its eligibility criteria for both potential participants and firms providing placements. The revised criteria came into effect yesterday 1st December and I expect that there will be greater opportunities for employers and individuals to avail of placements under the scheme.