asked the Minister for Labour the plans his Department had for the training of persons at skilled and semi-skilled levels for work in the development of off-shore gas and oil; whether any persons are receiving training at present; and, if so, the skills.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Offshore Gas and Oil Development Employment.
30.
At present AnCO are providing training in a range of skills that will be in demand for the development of off-shore oil and gas resources, for example, welding, metal fabrication, fitting, instrumentation.
AnCO estimate that, depending on the pace of development, off-shore exploration and drilling could by 1978-79 provide employment for professional level downwards for 1,100 persons and on-shore activity for 600 persons. Indirectly generated on-shore demands for specialised services, such as helicopter transport, could involve a further 600 personnel.
The 1,700 jobs that would be generated fall into two broad categories:—
(a) those for which training is already provided in Ireland, such as mechanical and electrical engineers and technicians and other engineering personnel, geologists and surveyors, and
(b) those such as drilling and petroleum engineers and technicians, geophysicists and divers for which AnCO and other bodies could organise the necessary training.
The entire subject of the training needs of the personnel required for the development of off-shore gas and oil is under consideration both by my Department and AnCO.
Would the Minister say whether that consideration also involves institutes of higher education such as colleges of technology and universities?
At present I am awaiting a report from the training authority on directions for further action. I will certainly bear in mind, especially considering the grade of skills required here, where we could possibly do something further in anticipation of this development, the matter mentioned by the Deputy. In fact it may be included in that report but I am awaiting the report.
The Minister will appreciate that there is a grave need now, having regard to the potential of our off-shore oil and perhaps some on-shore minerals, for skills of probably a third level nature and even higher?
I agree fully and I hope to be able to move this matter forward very soon. We should have that report.