asked the Minister for Labour if figures as to the number of apprentices required annually to meet the national requirements in each of the following trades are available: (1) electricians, (2) mechanics, (3) carpenters, (4) welders, (5) plumbers, (6) bricklayers and (7) fitters; and, if so, if he will give the relevant numbers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Apprenticeship Requirements.
17.
The figures sought by the Deputy are not available. At present the total intake of apprentices in each trade is determined each year by the aggregate decisions of individual employers who decide to recruit apprentices.
My examination of the arrangements for meeting future needs for craftsmen is not yet complete.
My general approach is that, if these needs do not look like being met by the arrangements which operated up to now, further steps will fall to be considered on the matter.
Does the Minister not think it desirable that some figures should be available?
That suggestion has been put forward by the training authority. It is proposed that AnCO should in future, in consultation with representatives of the industrial training committees, establish an annual intake to guard against both shortages and oversupply.
When does the Minister think this will come into effect?
When agreement can be reached with both the employers and the unions.
Will it come into effect in the next year?
That will depend, as I said, on agreement.
Will the Minister promote this in the national interest?
The position is that it is based on the aggregate of individual demands from particular employers. This situation must be improved. If we are to plan our industrial expansion securely into the future we will have to have a more scientific basis on which to plan future needs.