asked the Minister for Labour the proposals he has to create sufficient employment to meet the needs of school leavers during 1980.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - School Leavers' Employment.
61.
As Minister for Labour, I act as co-ordinator of the various special youth employment schemes administered by different agencies which were introduced by the Government over the last year.
These special schemes have proved successful, particularly in helping those young people who have specific employment problems, and they are being continued in 1980. The four main schemes are (1) the Environmental Improvements Schemes Programme, (2) the Temporary Grants Scheme for Youth Employment, (3) the Work Experience Programme and (4) the Community Youth Training Programme. Their success may be gauged from the fact that in 1977 only about 2,000 young people participated in them while in 1979 the total participation rate has risen to over 11,000 at a cost of over £10 million. It is hoped that the number of young people who will benefit from these schemes during 1980 will continue at this high level.
It is important to see youth as part of the overall labour market and to appreciate that young people stand to benefit substantially from the Government's total job creation efforts. I refer specifically here to the increased allocations this year for the Industrial Development Authority, the Public Capital Programme and the creation of the Employment Guarantee Fund, which is being jointly financed by the Government and employers organisations.
AnCO is charged with the provision of a skilled and highly trained work force to enable existing businesses to operate effectively and to ensure that they are in a position to take advantage of all opportunities for expansion. The availability of a highly skilled and trained work force is also essential to enable the Industrial Development Authority attract new industries to Ireland. It is expected that 15,000 training places will be provided by AnCO this year of which approximately 75 per cent will be taken up by young persons.
CERT has responsibility for education, recruitment and training for the hotel and catering industry and in 1980 more than 500 young persons will be accommodated on its training programmes. I might point out that some of these schemes including the training programmes organised by AnCO and CERT qualify for financial assistance from the European Social Fund.
It is relevant here to refer to the employment opportunities for young persons in the public sector. The 1980 recruitment programme for the civil service is already well under way as is the recruitment for the Garda Síochána and the Army.
I have already indicated to the House that a sub-committee of the Manpower Consultative Committee has prepared a report on youth employment. This report is being considered by the main committee.
Can the Minister give us the estimated number of school leavers for this year? Is the Minister satisfied that the programmes oulined by him will be sufficient to cater for their needs?
Mr. G. FitzGerald:
It is estimated that there will be about 60,000 young persons leaving second level education of whom 41,000 will have sat for the leaving certificate examination. It is estimated that 20 or 25 per cent of that 41,000 will go on to third level education and about 15 per cent——
What about the 20,000 who have not sat for the leaving certificate examination?
Would the Deputy allow me the decency of not displaying his customary ignorance in the House?
The Minister is very uppish today.
As the distinguished Dublin Deputy is education spokesman, one would expect a bit more from him. I apologise to Deputy Kenny for the ignorance of our colleague on the other bench.
(Interruptions.)
We will have no personality clashes of any kind from any side of the House. Let us try to get this straightened out.
The indications are that of that 41,000 about 20 or 25 per cent will go on to third level education and about 15 per cent will undertake apprenticeships and other training courses. The balance need to go into employment.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, could he indicate to us precisely how many will be going directly onto the labour market?
I have given the Deputy a figure of 41,000 approximately who have sat for their leaving certificate examination of whom about 20 or 25 per cent will go on to third level education and about 15 per cent to apprenticeships and industrial training. I am sure the Deputy is quite capable of calculating that figure from the figures I have given him.
Has the Minister got an indication in his brief of the number of people leaving second level education without having any formal educational qualification, without having sat for the leaving certificate examination?
That seems to be a separate question.
As the Deputy is spokesman on education, he should put the question down to my colleague, the Minister for Education.
Will the schemes outlined by the Minister provide the 24,000 jobs which will be needed to accommodate the 24,000 young people?
This Government's performance in the job creation field has been an excellent one and again only last night in this House my colleague, the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, announced details of a Government scheme, which was welcomed today by an independent spokesman, to help to prevent the possible job loss situation that is of some concern. While there are subsidiary schemes, the centrepiece of employment must of course be the IDA and the creation of productive employment where our record has been remarkably successful and our efforts will continue.
Will the Minister resign if he is wrong?
(Interruptions.)
The Minister should answer the next question and never mind about resigning.
Nothing could be further from my mind. I have no intention of resigning.
Question No. 62 is for written reply.