andMr. Mitchell asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied that all necessary steps are being taken to provide training for young people to fill the 2,000 or so vacancies for trained people in 14 different skilled trades identified in the report of the Manpower Consultative Committee; and the measures contemplated in respect of each trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skilled Trades Vacancies.
2.
In a written reply on 15 February 1979 I stated that the Manpower Consultative Committee had under consideration a report of their sub-committee on occupational shortages. Since then the sub-committee have submitted a further report and the main committee have adopted the recommendations for improving the supply in the identified occupations. The necessary follow-up action is being taken.
The reports cover occupations coming within the scope of the Industrial Training Act, 1967, and certain occupations outside the scope of the Act. In the case of the former, AnCO will be carrying out the necessary action and in the case of the latter, the authorities concerned are being approached. It should be understood also that the shortages include some of experienced personnel which it may not be possible to correct fully by training additional young persons.
In so far as AnCO are concerned the present position is as follows:
AnCO organises courses for computer programmers of 32 weeks' duration. AnCO plan to train 66 programmers in 1979.
Systems analysts are generally developed from experienced computer programmers. AnCO encourages companies to train to meet their own needs.
AnCO's engineering industry training committee have conducted a survey which points to a shortage of approximately 200 electronic technicians in Irish industry. AnCO are currently organising a course at their Cabra training centre at which 18-year-old school leavers with mathematics and physics will be trained over six-month periods to become electronic testers/inspectors. On completion of this course its graduates will not be qualified as electronic technicians but it is hoped that they will secure employment in industry and by means of day-release courses complete their training for qualification as electronic technicians.
In relation to mechanical/electrical draughtsmen, AnCO run courses in four training centres for junior draughtsmen. There are 40 places on such courses, which have a 36 weeks' duration.
The normal source of toolmakers is the apprenticeship system. At the end of 1978 there were 253 toolmaking apprentices—47 of these were in their fifth year of apprenticeship and registered with AnCO. AnCO provide first-year off-the-job training for toolmaking apprentices in three of their training centres which between them provide 36 places.
A major study of the toolmaking industry is to be carried out to see whether any changes are needed in future training policies for this category.
In relation to maintenance and turner fitters, the normal source of fitters is the apprenticeship system also. At the end of 1978 there were 2,655 fitter apprentices, 474 in their fifth apprenticeship year, and 64 turner apprentices, registered fifth year apprenticeship, registered with AnCO. AnCO provide first-year off-the-job training for fitter apprentices in 11 training centres which between them provide 259 training places. In addition AnCO provide 12 places in their Cork training centre for the accelerated training of adults as fitters.
The normal source of bricklayers is the apprenticeship system. At the end of 1978 there were 932 apprentices, 120 in their fifth apprenticeship year, registered with AnCO. AnCO provide first year off-the-job training for bricklaying apprentices in seven training centres which between them provide 120 training places.
For industrial pipefitters and plumbers AnCO operate a conversion course in their Cabra training centre where suitable plumbers are training as industrial pipefitters. There are 12 training places on this course.
The normal source of plasterers is also the apprenticeship system. At the end of 1978 there were 662 plastering apprentices, 95 in their fifth year of apprenticeship, registered with AnCO. AnCO provide first-year off-the-job training for plastering apprentices in five of their training centres which between them provide 72 training places.
AnCO run courses in 12 training centres for production welders. There are 382 places on these courses, which vary in length from 12 to 24 weeks.
The clothing industry has, in the opinion of AnCO, adequate training facilities to meet its requirements for sewing machinists. Additionally, AnCO runs courses for sewing machinists in four training centres, which between them provide 48 training places. Annual throughput is in the region of 300. AnCO also use spare capacity in industry for the training of sewing machinists and there are currently 81 trainees being trained under this scheme.
Is the Minister aware that the shortage of bricklayers is 400? As the number in their final year is 120 and, assuming normal retirements, it could be up to seven years before the shortage is eliminated. How many bricklayers are in their first year apprenticeship? That would indicate how we are working. In relation to industrial pipefitters the Minister indicated that there are 12 training places for such fitters and that the shortage is estimated at 150, an indication that it will be a long time before we can eliminate that shortage, assuming normal retirements. Does the Minister accept that the training provisions for such fitters are adequate?
Not only am I aware of the situation in relation to bricklayers but it was I who made the Deputy aware of that position when I replied to a written question tabled by him. I was made aware of that situation because of the research and survey carried out by the sub-committee of the Manpower Consultative Committee I referred to. There are 150 apprentices in their fifth year of apprenticeship. I should like to remind the Deputy that 932 apprentices are registered with AnCO at various stages of apprenticeship. I have not the number of first-year apprentices but I will give the Deputy that information later. I agree that there is a need for increasing the number of training places for pipefitters but that is not the only effort that must be made to solve that and other skill shortages.
The Minister claims credit for bringing about plans to fill these shortages, but as the figure for first-year apprentices is the only figure he can claim credit for I should like to know how he can claim credit for reducing the shortage?
As usual, the Deputy is splitting hairs. In 1975 AnCO took on 65 first-year bricklaying apprentices. That figure rose to 76 the following year, while in 1977 it was 87 and in 1978 it was 113.
We are getting more information by degrees.
Unlike previous years, we are making progress.
It is like extracting a stubborn tooth.
There is a certain amount of jealousy on the part of the Opposition because very little was done during their term of office.
As long as the problem is solved we do not mind who is responsible.
It was left to us to solve that problem.
I should like to ask the Minister about a category of skilled shortage which he did not refer to, the shortage of 500 electrical and mechanical engineers. I am aware that the Minister is not directly responsible for the training of such engineers but, in the light of his committee's report, has he taken any steps with his colleague, the Minister for Education, to eliminate the shortage?
This is an area of some concern but steps are being taken to eliminate the shortage. We are looking at this problem from a number of angles. In the short term I hope shortly to embark on an intensive advertising campaign to attract emigrants back, if that is possible. In the medium term I have arranged talks between the sub-committee of the Manpower Consultative Committee, the HEA and the NCA. Within the next week or so I hope to chair a meeting between the Department of Education and the sub-committee. The reason for the meeting with the HEA, NCA and the Department of Education is to look at possible conversion courses in the medium term and increasing courses for such skills in the long term.