The unemployment rate in Ireland overall is 4.3% at present but in the Border Counties it is 4.9%.
FÁS— Training and Employment Authority, was established in January 1988 under the Labour Services Act 1987, to provide a wide range of services to the labour market in Ireland. Its functions as laid down in the Act include:
· training and re-training;
· assistance to community groups.
There are over 60 FÁS Employment Services Offices throughout the country. All offices provide a registration, information, guidance and advice, referral and placement service for jobseekers. Jobseekers register with FÁS by completing a registration form and meeting an Employment Services Officer. The Employment Services Officer compiles a profile of the jobseeker's educational qualifications, work experience, aptitudes and interests. Jobseekers have access to careers information, self help, career guidance, information on training and further education, working abroad, and job vacancies. Through the FÁS Employment Services Offices jobseekers may apply for opportunities on FÁS Training Courses, Community Employment, Job Clubs and Job Vacancies.
Locally, other services are available for people who are unemployed. These provide access to a range of employment related supports.