andMr. Mitchell asked the Minister for Labour if the skill shortages indicated in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 15 February 1980 have increased or decreased since then; and, if so, the extent in each case.
Written Answers. - Skill Shortages.
189.
Employers are not obliged to notify vacancies to my Department. The information on vacancies is therefore incomplete.
The National Manpower Service, one of the bodies represented on the Manpower Consultative Committee, undertook a survey in July 1980 of almost 250 firms on vacancies for highly qualified and skilled personnel. The results were as follows:
|
Occupations |
Actual Vacancies |
|
Fitters |
65 |
|
Toolmakers |
60 |
|
Mechanical/Electrical Draughtsman |
20 |
|
Electronic Technician |
18 |
|
Systems Analysts/ Programmers |
25 |
|
Chemical Technologists |
9 |
|
Electrical/Electronic Engineers |
37 |
|
Production/Mechanical Engineers |
57 |
The results indicate a decline in the level of vacancies in, all the key occupations except systems analyst since the replies to similar questions in 15 February, 1979 and 6 March, 1980. This decrease is attributable to a number of factors, including the recruitment of key workers from abroad and the inflow of graduates from conversion courses to the work force.
The National Manpower Service, in consultation with the Confederation of Irish Industry, is arranging to conduct a twice yearly survey of vacancy levels in key occupations.