Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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38. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which economic and or unemployment black spots have been identified throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39640/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The geographical distribution of the Department of Social Protection resources is matched to the variation in demand including unemployment black spots around the country. Our labour market activation strategy, Pathways to Work, targets resources at helping the long-term unemployed and those at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. Targeting those most at risk of long-term unemployment, by definition, focuses resources on the worst-hit areas. The roll-out of the profiling system at our Intreo offices has enhanced this effect as one of the main variables in the profiling system is geographical location. In other words, if someone comes from an area of high unemployment, s/he will, all other things being equal, receive more targeted assistance.

In addition, the geographical distribution of places on employment programmes such as CE and Tús & training programmes has been highly correlated with unemployment rates for each region. Within the Tús programme there is a specific area-based approach to the allocation of places. Places on the Tús programme are allocated to community and voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of local services in urban and rural areas. The allocation is based on the numbers of eligible unemployed people in each local development company or Údarás na Gaeltachta area.

Other than through administrative mechanisms like those described, it is difficult to identify and target specific unemployment black spots at a very local level. The most frequent unemployment data come from the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS); as a sample survey, the QNHS provides reliable data at a regional, but not at a local level. Small-area statistics are collected in the Census, but these are available only at five-year intervals, and the unemployment concept underlying them does not correspond exactly with that used in the QNHS.

However, the Government’s policy of targeting resources at those most at risk of long-term unemployment overcomes this statistical deficit and ensures those areas that are most in need of assistance are prioritised. The Department works primarily at a local level and is acutely aware of the differentiated impact of unemployment across local areas. The Live Register figures by office are closely monitored and are an important consideration for the provision of our activation services.

I am satisfied that our approach to prioritise the support of individuals most at risk of long-term unemployment is effective in targeting unemployment black spots.