asked the Minister for Labour if he will ensure that the AnCo training centre is retained in Kildare town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - AnCo Training Centre.
37.
Some 300 persons will have been trained in the AnCo training center in Kildare by July 15th. AnCo are presently reviewing the future of the training centre in the light of the training needs of Kildare.
The Minister did not give us all the information at his disposal. Is he aware that present policies lead everybody involved to believe that the AnCo training centre in Kildare town is due to be phased out in June or July and that the force there is being reduced accordingly? Is the Minister further aware that the figures Manpower have for the unemployment position in Kildare have increased rather than diminished? Will the Minister agree that training centres set up on a temporary basis in other areas in the country have been made permanent? There is a great need for the retention of this centre and in view of the wonderful work being done by the centre will the Minister assure me that it will be retained?
AnCo are at present reviewing the training needs of the county and in the light of that review it will be decided what the future of the training centre will be. As the Deputy is aware, it was set up originally to provide for the training needs of Black and Decker employees. The future of the centre is under review.
I am aware that it is under review. The actions taken recently, particularly the failure of AnCo to renew their lease with CYMS on the property they have, the reduction of the teaching staff and the further reductions envisaged, are an indication that a decision has been or is about to be reached. I am asking the Minister to see to it that it is retained and I had hoped he would be in a position to answer, "Yes".
The future of the centre is being reviewed in the context of the training needs of the county.
It is possible we are speaking different languages. The Minister says the matter is being reviewed even though I am telling him that the indications are that it will be phased out this year. Will the Minister take measures to see that it is retained within the town? The Minister's answer does not satisfy me.
I do not think we should anticipate the conclusion of the review by AnCo. The matter is under review.