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In its observation of 1995, the Committee referred to the Government's previous information that the National Employment Commission remained inoperative, and to the modest role played by the General Directorate of Employment and Human Resources of the State Secretariat for Labour on the Dominican labour market. The Committee takes note of the Government's recent report, to the effect that thanks to the collaboration of the ILO, the Employment Service has launched an electronic exchange on the Internet which provides personal data, information on diplomas and certificates, addresses and telephone numbers of persons seeking employment. In collaboration with the San José multidisciplinary team and the ILO Area Office in Mexico, plans of action aimed at improving the organization of the labour market have been drawn up. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to provide information on these activities, which broadly implement the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention, in such a way as to ensure that the network of employment offices can meet the new requirements of the economy and of the working population.

Articles 4 and 5. The Committee takes note of Decree No. 381-96 of 28 August 1996 transforming the tripartite National Employment Commission into a body able to discharge its responsibilities effectively. In addition, three tripartite Regional Employment Committees have been set up. The Committee notes the main areas of activity identified for 1998 (development of institutions, training, social and labour diagnostics and information, and development and implementation of job-creation programmes). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information in its future reports on any specific arrangements made through the National Employment Commission and the Regional Employment Committees in the areas covered by the Convention.

Article 6 and 7. With regard to the functions of the employment service (Article 6(c) and (e)), the Committee has taken note the analysis, carried out in 1995 by the country's Central Bank, of the measurement of employment on the basis of household surveys, and of the employment statistics for 1997 provided by the Government. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to develop the activities required by the Convention and provide the relevant information in this respect.

In a separate direct request, the Committee is raising a matter relating to the application of Article 9 of the Convention.