asked the Minister for Labour the reasons for the decline in the numbers seeking training from AnCO in 1971 as against the previous year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - AnCO Training.
24.
In reply to a question by Deputy Belton on 7th March last, I gave figures which indicated that the numbers applying for training by AnCO in 1971 had declined as compared with the previous year.
Due to an error for which I wish to express regret, a number of applicants was omitted from the figures given in my reply to Deputy Belton. The correct figures for applications for training by adults are:
1970, 1,450; 1971, 1,519; 1972 (to date), 509.
Does the Minister consider that the rate of increase in 1971 relative to 1970, which is less than 10 per cent, is adequate, in view of the urgent need for retraining and the accelerated rate of redundancy during that period?
I would much prefer that they should be higher. It is difficult to get adults to submit themselves for training.
Does that number include many persons who are being retrained?
I would not venture to give the Deputy the percentage.
Is it one, as the last time I asked the question, or is it two or three now?
The Deputy may have asked for the number at a particular census, at a particular time.
A year ago.
Quite a number have been retrained.
Would the Minister say why so few are retrained?
We just find it difficult to get persons to submit themselves for retraining.
They may be too old.