asked the Minister for Labour (a) the basis on which persons are sent for interview for vacancies which are notified to the National Manpower Service and (b) if an up-to-date register of unemployed persons seeking employment is maintained in the National Manpower offices.

: The main function of the National Manpower Service is to place job-seekers in employment. In carrying out this function the service has been concentrating on helping unemployed persons, including young people seeking their first job, to find employment, training or work experience. The service gives priority to the unemployed when sending persons for interview to employers who have notified vacancies.

With reference to (b) of the question, the National Manpower Service maintains, on an office basis, an up-to-date register of persons seeking employment through the service. It is working towards a situation where all persons in receipt of unemployment benefit and assistance will be registered.

: Is the Minister aware that a large number of unemployed persons have been registered with the National Manpower Service for three or four years and during that time have never been notified of a single vacancy or attended an interview? I am concerned to establish what type of procedure is adopted by the National Manpower Service when sending unemployed persons for interviews as vacancies are notified.

: I would be concerned if what the Deputy said is true——

: It is true.

: ——and if that is the position I will initiate an immediate investigation into the situation.

: I assure the Minister it is true because a number of my constituents have come to me saying they have been registered with the National Manpower Service for a number of years but have never received any notification from them. I hope the Minister will look into that.