Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if legislation will be required to implement the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce an anti-fraud enforcement drive, namely, establishing an integrated employment and entitlements service for those of working age, using the latest technology and sharing data across Departments and Government agencies. [18291/11]

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if legislation will be required to implement the commitment in the programme for Government to replace FÁS with a new national employment and entitlements service. [18296/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 331 together.

The Department is establishing a new National Employment and Entitlements Service, as provided for in the programme for Government, which will integrate employment and benefit payment services within the Department.

From 1 January 2011 policy and funding responsibility for FÁS functions in relation to employment and community services was transferred to the Department in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010. This is a transitional arrangement only. The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 provides for the transfer of all employment and community services including staff and other resources from FÁS to the Department. The relevant provisions will be subject to a Commencement Order as it is envisaged that any further legislation will be required, however the details of the service model for the National Employment and Entitlements Service are being developed, any further necessary legislative provisions relating to its establishment will be put in place.