Work of Labour Market Policy

European Employment Strategy

The Section has responsibility for employment and labour market policy at national and EU level. This includes the development and co-ordination of the employment aspects of the Lisbon Strategy. The employment aspect of the National Reform Programme is prepared within the framework of the European Employment Strategy. The National Reform Programme covers economic and employment policies and is the new EU reporting mechanism agreed by the European Council in 2005 following a review of the Lisbon Strategy. The National Reform Programme outlines the policies and initiatives, which will be pursued to create growth and jobs over the period 2008-2010.

As part of the National Reform Programme process Member States are required to submit annual progress reports. The progress report outlines achievements/developments and reports on any new policies or measures. Many of the issues covered in the employment chapter are informed by existing Government policies, particularly Towards 2016 (PDF) and describe how the objectives of the European Employment Strategy are incorporated in domestic policy. Ireland’s 2008 Progress Report (DOC) was submitted to the European Commission in November 2008.

FÁS Liaison

The Labour Market Policy Section oversees the activities of FÁS, the training and employment services agency. Specifically this involves negotiating the agency's financial allocations in the context of the annual estimates exercise and monitoring FÁS business plans, activities and outputs to ensure these match and meet Departmental strategic objectives. The Section advises FÁS on developments in the area of labour market policy and ensures the activities of FÁS are focussed to meet the ever-changing needs of the labour market. The Section also monitors FÁS compliance with corporate governance guidelines.

Day to day management issues relating to this and other FÁS programmes are matters for FÁS. Queries of this nature can be addressed by contacting your local FÁS office or emailing FÁS at info@FÁS.ie

Employment Services

Increase labour market participation of the unemployed and marginalised groups under the Preventative Strategy guidelines 1 and 2 of the Employment Action Plan by assisting the unemployed after a certain period by offering them a job or an employability support.

• Advise on implementing policy with regard to design, review and refinement of the following labour market programmes aimed at promoting the re-integration of unemployed persons into employment including: -
  • Community Employment: a FÁS intervention, which provides temporary work experience and training for the long-term unemployed.
  • Job Initiative: a FÁS intervention, which provides a whole time job for long-term unemployed people living in areas where access to the labour market is limited or extremely poor.

The Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG)

The Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG) allows National Employment Services Officers to support a range of responses for clients who are experiencing major barriers in progressing from unemployment to the workforce, where this need cannot be met by FÁS directly or any other state provider, within a reasonable timeframe or at a location convenient to the jobseeker. A budget of up to €1,270 (in exceptional circumstances, up to €2,500) per person may be made available for this purpose.

Employment and Training Supports for People with Disabilities

Facilitate the labour market integration of people with disabilities through the implementation of the agreed Sectoral Plan to meet their employment and training needs. Maximise the potential contribution of the Consultative Forum by developing an effective Employment Strategy and promote activation and job progression in collaboration with other stakeholders. Work effectively with the Director of the Office for Disabilities and Mental Health. Introduce a more formal and regular system of reporting on progress/initiatives on the part of FÁS and its contracted providers. Oversee the implementation of the progress reports for Wage Subsidy Scheme and FÁS Supported. Research current job retention and return to work practices following a disability acquired during working life. Rationalise the range of job recruitment/retention supports available to employers. Report on progress in bridging/progression between rehabilitative and vocational training

• Sectoral Plan Review - Submissions Invited (DOC, 42KB)