Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 620: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details of the short time working programme; the number of persons who have applied to participate in the short time working programme on a national basis; the number of persons who have started position to date on a national basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31556/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Short-Time Working Training Programme was introduced in May 2009. FÁS administered the programme, which aimed to provide training to people on systematic short time for the days they are not working. The Programme aimed to provide two days training a week for up to 277 workers over a 52-week period and they received training free of charge for these two days. The Department of Social Protection continue to pay participants social welfare entitlements whilst receiving this training.

FÁS developed a specific curriculum for this programme and its participants. To-date, 236 people have participated on the FÁS Short Time Working Programme.

Skillnets are now providing training to approximately 10,000 unemployed persons. It is intended that this will also include provision for some people on reduced working weeks and this will supersede the FÁS initiative.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 621: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number and percentage of persons referred to FÁS in 2009; the number and percentage of persons who were interviewed by FÁS; the number and percentage of persons placed in jobs, training or education; the number of persons who left the live register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31557/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

FÁS Employment Services, under the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) preventative strategy, systematically engages with persons who are between 18 and 64 years of age and have been unemployed for three months. As part of this process, the Department of Social Protection refers persons in receipt of unemployment payments to FÁS for assistance.

The specific information requested by the Deputy, as recorded in the Economic Action Plan Monthly Progress Reports compiled by FÁS, is set out in thefollowing table.