asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any special steps have been taken, or are proposed, to train additional numbers of workers for the building trade, so that, as building supplies increase, urgent housing operations may not be delayed through lack of workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training of Building Workers.
The danger that the building programme may be held up through shortage of skilled tradesmen is, I believe, appreciated by the people in whose hands the remedy for the situation lies, namely the Federation of Builders and the various building trade unions. These bodies are aware that the existing haphazard methods of recruiting and training apprentices are unlikely to provide the building industry with the skilled personnel required for the completion of the large building programme which has to be undertaken.
Committees composed of representatives of employers and workers are at present engaged in the preparation of new apprenticeship schemes for the principal skilled trades of the industry. Officers of my Department are giving every help that they can give in the preparation of these schemes and if legislation is needed to give effect to them the Government will be prepared to consider the introduction of such legislation.
Are we to understand that there will be no special arrangement made by these bodies to train an additional number of workers for the Irish building trade until these schemes have been settled finally.
I think that is clear.
Can the Minister say when it is likely that any of these schemes will be settled finally?
I would not like to attempt a forecast. There are very considerable difficulties.
Is it not a fact that, unless some schemes are hurried up, we are likely to find ourselves very short-handed for building workers and building schemes will be held up?
Yes. This matter is one of great urgency, but I am sure the people preparing these schemes realise the urgency.