Minister eyes reform to cut long-term unemployment

Further reform of the Irish labour market is required to meet future job requirements, Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan said today.

Mr Brennan said over 110,000 people have returned to employment under back-to-work incentive schemes.

But he insisted new initiatives were needed if Ireland is to meet the need for up to 50,000 immigrant workers a year in addition to home-produced staff.

“The reality is that over 200,000 people have come from the 10 new EU countries in the past two years and have found employment here,” he said.

“The latest statistics show that less than 1% of these people have ended up on welfare payments.

“On the other hand, there are currently just under 160,000 people signing on the Live Register at present.

“While the majority of those, up to 85%, will leave the register within one year, the reality is that too many others are falling into long-term unemployment.”

Mr Brennan said many of the 80,000 lone parents on welfare need support and encouragement if they are to find a route to rewarding employment.

“In addition, there are some 200,000 people in receipt of illness and disability payments, ranging from short-term illnesses to people with severe disabilities, who may welcome intervention and support,” he said.

“The challenge is to make sure that in an economy as successful as ours that we do not overlook or neglect the employment contribution that any individual can make.”

The minister was speaking at the launch of the 13th edition of ‘Working for Work’, an information booklet for unemployed people, employers and staff in the state and community sector, published by the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) with funding from his department.

Mr Brennan said that over 1bn euro has been invested in recent years in welfare to work initiatives and supports.