31 May 2001

£7.5m BOOST FOR EQUALITY IN NORTHERN IRELAND JOB MARKET

Those who have been disadvantaged in their search for employment, including long-term unemployed men, women returning to work, people with disabilities and young people who are not in jobs, training or education, will benefit from a £7.5 million EU funding package, aimed at promoting equality in the Northern Ireland job market, Dr Sean Farren, Minister for High and Further Education, Training and Employment, said today.

Describing the funding as a major boost, Dr Farren said: "This package, which comes as part of the EQUAL Community Initiatives Programme, will be used to find new ways of tackling inequality in the job market.

"It is a new and important Programme for Northern Ireland and provides a valuable opportunity to help those who still find it difficult to find work.

"My Department, in co-operation with the Special EU Programmes Body, will take the lead in implementing the EQUAL Programme and will work closely with a wide range of organisations which have an interest in ensuring that the Northern Ireland job market is open to everyone.

"The key to success of the EQUAL Programme will be the development of partnerships, both within Northern Ireland and with groups in other Member states.

He added: "The Programme will concentrate on finding new ways to deal with the difficulties some people still face in finding and keeping a suitable job. It also allows for the development of cross-border co-operation and provides scope to address the needs of asylum seekers in Northern Ireland.

"My aim as Minister is to remove all barriers to employment and training opportunities, through a range of initiatives, including the establishment of a Taskforce on Long term Unemployment. The EQUAL programme is a vital part of our efforts to promote inclusiveness and equality of opportunity."

Dr Farren said his Department would shortly be inviting applications from ‘development partnerships’ to deliver the EQUAL Programme.

NOTE TO EDITOR

Further information on the Programme can be obtained from the European Unit, Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, at Tel: (028) 9025 7874. Media enquiries should be directed to Department’s Press Office at (028) 9025 7823.