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Cyprus (ratification: 1966)

The Committee notes the report supplied by the Government for the period ending in May 2000 and the detailed replies to the 1999 direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the particular efforts made by the Government to conform to the Maastricht criteria and to accede to the European Union. Cyprus shows a record of satisfactory economic performance reflected in rapid growth and macroeconomic stability. Employment policy forms an integral part of the overall development policy and has as its basic long-term objective the mobilization and full utilization of human resources. The employment policy and measures envisaged within the "New Development Plan, 1999 to 2003" are based on the EU Employment Guidelines. Under that Plan, the upgrading and modernization of the Employment Services is planned. The Committee would appreciate receiving further details as the employment measures envisaged by the "New Development Plan" are implemented with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older persons and workers affected by the accession to the EU. Please also indicate how the reform of the Public Employment Services has contributed to employment creation and human resources development.

2. The Government mentions in its report the adoption of the Private Employment Agencies (Specification of Type of Application, Type of Permit and Payable Fees) Regulations No. 289/98. The Committee requests that the Government indicate what impact private employment agencies have had on the functioning of the labour market. The Government may deem it useful to consult the instruments on private employment agencies adopted by the Conference at its 85th Session (1997).

3. Article 3. The Committee notes with interest that the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance derives its proposals from various tripartite committees dealing with specific issues relevant to the elaboration and evaluation of the national employment policy. The social partners as well as other social, political or professional groups, through the various consultative committees (permanent and ad hoc) play an important role in policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. The Committee would appreciate receiving details of the decisions taken by the Labour Advisory Board and the planned Employment Committee in relation to the matters covered by the Convention.