asked the Minister for Labour whether he has had discussions with the Minister for Social Welfare regarding the co-ordination of the complementary State services provided by the employment exchanges and FÁS offices; and if he will make a statement on his policy indicating the desirability of situating these offices in the same building where possible.

My priority task in the manpower area is to help the unemployed and my Department have had frequent contacts with the Department of Social Welfare. The successful introduction of Jobsearch is an example of the results of this co-operation.

In the policy guidelines which I issued to FÁS after consultation with other Departments, including Social Welfare, I have asked them to have regard to the need to ensure a regular exchange of information and I understand that the proposals FÁS have for computerisation of the placement service will facilitate this. I have also asked FÁS to consult with the Department of Social Welfare with a view to maintaining a presence in employment exchanges where the needs of the unemployed justify such a service.

Will the Minister agree that at a time when we are talking about co-ordinating services and facilitating the general public it is advisable that the coordinated services should be accommodated in one building? Will the Minister agree that that will lead to greater efficiency?

I accept what the Deputy has said. I should like to point out to him that FÁS, in consultation with the Department of Social Welfare, are endeavouring to maintain a presence at employment exchanges, particularly new exchanges. FÁS are trying to locate their offices close to existing social welfare facilities.

Will the Minister accept that a logical extension of the developments that have taken place to date, and which have brought together the placement and training functions, would be that all the services for the unemployed, including the provision of income support, should be administered by the same agency? Will the Minister hold that out as a long term ambition to achieve greater integration of the services now provided under the ambit of the Department of Social Welfare and those provided by FÁS?

As I have said on numerous occasions, computerisation will mean that there will be closer links than heretofore because it will be the same people that the two Departments will be dealing with. It is in the interests of the public that there should be closer liaison. Already the placement service is being computerised on a pilot basis. This development will allow flexibility to use the same information. I do not know how long it will take to computerise the full placement service of Manpower but, as far as I am concerned, the sooner the better.

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