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1. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending in May 2004 containing detailed information in reply to previous comments. In its report, the Government refers to the implementation of the National Action Employment Programme for 2004, prepared on the basis of the European Employment Strategy. The Government reports that the working active population had increased (from 758,473 in 1999 to 783,686 in June 2004), and the number of employed in the industrial activities and in the services sector also increased. In August 2004, there were 90,314 unemployed persons. It is expected that approximately 15,000 direct entries to employment will be achieved and at least 11,400 unemployed persons will be included in programmes of education and vocational training. The Government indicates that, despite certain positive shifts, the pattern of unemployment still remains problematic, disproportionately affecting older persons, persons without vocational education, women and long-term unemployed. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on how the measures taken to promote full and productive employment operate within a "framework of a coordinated economic and social policy". Please also include in the Government’s next report information on the achievements in terms of employment generation of the National Action Employment Programme (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. The Government indicates that special attention is devoted to unemployed women who are particularly affected by the poor state of the textile, leather and footwear industries. A large proportion of the workers affected by redundancies in the garment sector are workers aged from 45 to 54 years for the most part without vocational education. The Committee asks the Government to submit information on the measures taken to increase the employment rate among older workers and to protect workers affected by structural changes in the economy. Please also indicate the results achieved by the programmes implemented at regional level by the Employment Institute.

3. Consultation with representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other sectors in connection with employment policy. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government indicating that, in the future, a second level of consultation will be established at regional level. Partners councils will be established by the Employment Institute in which all relevant institutions of regional and local importance will be invited to participate. The strategy of development for the labour market and employment policy will be defined by the local environment. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information in this regard (Article 3).