Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 125: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to reports that up to 10,000 jobs could be lost in the banking sector here over the next six months; his views on the implications for unemployment generally of the loss of such a large number of jobs; if he has sought any information from the banks on the level of job losses planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36371/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of the various reports of potential job losses within the banking sector. The financial crises within the banking sector has had and will continue to have, implications for employment levels within individual banks. It is a commercial matter for the banks concerned to determine their staffing requirements having regard to changes in banking practices and re-structuring arrangements. In the context of job losses arising, banks are required to follow statutory industrial relations procedures including notification and consultation with staff and providing for appropriate redundancy arrangements. The staff complement of the banks represent a highly-skilled resource and I would expect that any bank reducing staff numbers would provide appropriate assistance and guidance for staff leaving.

The full State support mechanisms will be available to any staff let go by the banks, including, in particular, the measures and supports specifically targeted to assist unemployed individuals to get back into employment. The Department of Education and Skills have almost doubled the job search support capacity of FÁS this year to over 154,000 referrals from the National Employment Action Plan. From a training and education perspective, this year the Department of Education and Skills will be providing: · Over 160,000 training and employment places for the unemployed. This compares to 66,000 places provided in 2008. · 170,000 full time and part-time Further Education places. · 156,000 full time Higher Education places. All Higher Education programmes covered by the Free Fees Scheme are open to unemployed people.

These measures are designed to provide the unemployed with upskilling and re-skilling opportunities so that they can increase their employability thereby improving their prospects of securing employment in the future. In addition, our Enterprise Development Agencies, Enterprise Ireland and the City and County Enterprise Boards are available to provide advice and assistance to anyone who has been made redundant and wishes to explore the possibility of starting their own business.