asked the Minister for Labour if AnCO have plans for the erection of new training centres at selected areas during the coming two years; and the age groups to which training will be made available.
11.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Training Centres.
10.
asked the Minister for Labour if the location of the additional AnCO training facilities has been decided.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
Additional industrial training facilities will be provided in Dublin, Cork and the Midlands. Studies on the feasibility of locating training centres in other areas are proceeding. As I have already indicated, it is my intention to increase fourfold by 1978 the number of training places available.
Adult training courses are normally confined to persons over 18 years of age and there is no upper age limit. Unemployed school-leavers between the age of 16 and 18 who have been registered for a period of three months with the National Manpower Service for employment and who have not been successful in obtaining employment during this period are considered for training as well.
The starting age for apprentices is normally 15 years and upwards. Off-the-job training courses are also provided for apprentices in their first year of apprenticeship.
A start has also been made to training unemployed school leavers. Industrial induction courses of four weeks' duration are held in various centres throughout the country during the summer months.
Are there plans to expand the AnCO centre in Ballyfermot?
I cannot answer about the actual expansion of the existing training centre in Ballyfermot but there are plans for an additional training centre in the Dublin area.
What are the criteria used in assessing the suitability of one place as against another?
I suppose its convenience as a catchment area for people who would benefit from the course would be the general rule to be followed.
Would the Minister indicate whether in this regard the Finglas/Ballymun area has been short-listed?
The final decision has not been made about the location of the additional training centre in Dublin but one will be started shortly and we will make an announcement at that time.
Will the Minister make an announcement before the Recess?
It is possible.
Would the Minister investigate the site that is owned by the vocational education committee in Inchicore as a possible centre?
I will.
Is the Minister considering any area in Wicklow for a training centre in view of the increase in industrial operations in the county, particularly in the Arklow area?
Yes, we will give consideration to that. That is an area of expansion and growth and we certainly will give very close attention to the advisability of having some centre for Wicklow.