Jobless get 6,500 letters on vacancies abroad

The Department of Social Protection has sent more than 6,500 letters since the start of the year to jobseekers here telling them about job opportunities across Europe and in Canada.

Opposition spokesman Willie O’Dea, who requested the information through a parliamentary question, said the figure proves emigration is an essential tool for the Government in reducing its jobless total.

The jobs in Europe — for English teachers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics and roles in sales and hospitality — were available in Spain, Norway, France and Britain. In response to the parliamentary question, the department said: “As jobseekers apply for these vacancies through the EURES portal, it is not possible to know how many people applied for and secured employment using the service.”