Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if it is current policy for the training agency FÁS to financially assist and advertise events (details supplied) which promote Irish persons moving overseas for work. [36761/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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FÁS promote vacancies within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). This is as a result of Ireland's being part of a single European Labour Market. Any costs involved in the promotion of these vacancies are paid by way of grant from the European Commission.

With regard to non EU/EEA jobs and specifically in relation to the Canadian Job Fair held in Dublin on 12th and 13th November and Cork on the 8th November, FÁS (International Employment Services) were asked by the Governments of the Canadian Provinces of Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Islands and Labrador to assist the Irish Canadian Business Association with their organisation of these Job Fairs. They were anxious that Irish jobseekers going to Canada had the full facts of the Canadian visa requirements, full information on the recognition of their qualifications and were making the right decision for themselves and their families.

The Fair was attended by the Immigration Departments of the above Provinces who offered help and assistance with the immigration and visa process in addition to representing many Canadian employers with well paid opportunities. The Fair was also attended by almost 20 Canadian companies who wished to recruit directly. I understand from FÁS that they took a stand at both Fairs with a view to pointing out the alternatives to moving to Canada and in order to point out those areas where the Canadians were looking for workers and

· To prevent, as far as possible, unprepared and unplanned migration to Canada.

· To give people advice on their qualifications so as to maximise their earning potential.

· To give people pre-departure advice and guidance.

FÁS contacted registrants to advise them that it was taking place. This was done by text messaging which was paid for by the Canadian Irish Business Association. All other costs were paid by the Association.