asked the Minister for Labour the number of training centres operated by AnCO in the country; and their locations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - AnCO Training Centres.
20.
At present AnCO have nine permanent training centres located at Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Gweedore, Limerick, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford and four temporary centres located at Athlone, Ballina, Tralee and Wexford.
What other centres is it proposed to open and when?
We are engaged in negotiations for sites for new centres at Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Tralee. It is also expected that work will begin in the autumn of 1975 in Athlone for a 200-place training centre.
Is the Minister aware of the necessity for an enlarged centre in Cork where they are doing such wonderful work and expanding at such a rate that extra accommodation is needed? Could he give any indication when this site will be available?
We are looking for a suitable site but as the Deputy knows this can be difficult. We are pressing ahead with all possible speed to have these arrangements finalised.
My understanding of the situation is that a site is now available.
When deciding on sites, has any consideration been given to the areas of depopulation, Leitrim and North Roscommon, which seem to have no centre? I suggest that he consider this aspect of development because it seems unfair that those areas are neglected.
We have tried to achieve as fair a spread as possible around the country.
Does the Minister agree that this particular problem should be catered for?
I agree that the regional imbalance continues to be a matter which all State agencies must tackle with seriousness and, in my opinion, the training authority is doing this.
Will the Minister give this consideration before making his final decision?
The Deputy will agree that the place names I have read out represent a fair cross-section of the country in terms of training. Of course, the point can be made that the total regional imbalance question is not settled and the number of training centres we have now——
Where is the nearest centre to Roscommon?
Sligo.
That is too far away.
I agree that our plans in the area of training can never be said to have reached the point of perfection, but this year represents the biggest outlay in training ever.