asked the Minister for Labour if he has satisfied himself with the degree to which AnCO are matching the efforts of the IDA in North-Central Dublin and the steps being taken by AnCO to ensure that there will be suitably trained people available from the locality when the proposed IDA jobs become available to fill these positions.
Written Answers. - AnCO Training Efforts.
348.
I am fully satisfied that the liaison between AnCO and the IDA with regard to industrial expansion planned and industrial training facilities provided by AnCO for residents of North-Central Dublin, will ensure that the maximum possible number of local residents will receive relevant industrial training to equip them to take up employment in new industries destined for location in that area.
To this end AnCO have been working in close co-operation with the inner city unit of the Industrial Development Authority. AnCO are fully aware of the extra training facilities which are required to cater for the needs of the area. At present over 300 people are in training in inner city locations, including Beresford Place, where a range of courses are available. Of this total approximately 250 actually reside in the North-Central area.
AnCO recently conducted a survey on youth employment in North-Central Dublin, which indicated that most of the unemployed school leavers were educationally and socially disadvantaged and not in a position to avail of normal AnCO main stream courses. In recognition of this situation AnCO operate a number of vocational preparation and special workshop training courses. Some of these courses are run in conjunction with local community organisations.
In addition, AnCO are seeking a suitable site in the area on which to erect a 200 place permanent training centre. I am confident that when this centre is available the industrial training needs of North-Central Dublin will be comprehensively catered for on the basis of continuing assessment of likely job opportunities and related to the individual training needs of the local population.