asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he proposes to take to ensure that the vocational training centre to be set up under the Social Action Programme of the European Community will be allocated to Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational Training Centre.
4.
The vocational training centre is one of a number of new bodies which the Communities propose setting up. As I said on 27th March last, we are interested in having one or more of these located here and the Deputy can rest assured that we shall do our utmost to achieve that aim.
I am sure the Minister is aware that the president of the Commission, Mr. Ortoli, has mentioned on numerous occassions the necessity for having what he called an active Community presence in each country. In view of the nature and scope of the grants we had from the social fund last year, and the obvious need for retraining in this country, would the Minister not agree that this particular centre would be ideal for us?
The Government are in full agreement with the views of the Deputy, that Ireland should have some of the new bodies being set up. The vocational training centre is one of three bodies which the Government are urging the Commission to have located here.
The Minister has mentioned three bodies. Is it hoped we will capture all three or will it be a choice between the three? If so, I would strongly press the Minister to insist on this particular centre.
I can assure the Deputy we will get as much as we can. If we can get all three, well and good; if not, we will settle for what we can get. I take note sympathetically of the Deputy's views on this matter.