Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the work placement programme is supposed to provide work experience to 2,000 unemployed individuals in view of the fact that there have been 257 placements as of 20 January 2010 and only 955 vacancies for placements are available; the locations at which the other 748 people who are supposed to be facilitated under the programme are to be placed; if State agencies and public bodies will be mandated to take on unemployed people under this scheme if no other companies are forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5848/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As of 3 February 2010, 327 individuals had commenced their placements under the work placement programme. In addition, there are a further 1,066 placements currently available to be filled throughout Ireland. The location of these available placements is outlined in the table below.

The programme is open to State agencies and public bodies to provide placements. At this stage there are no plans to mandate such bodies to provide placements under the work placement programme. However, FÁS are continuing to promote the programme with potential providers in the public, private and community and voluntary sectors. It is expected that the number of placements will continue to rise and will I anticipate reach 2,000 in the coming months.

The FÁS areas in which work placements are available: