asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied that the present education and training facilities will be adequate to meet any future demand for skilled personnel in the chemical industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Skilled Industrial Personnel.
650.
I am satisfied that existing and planned education and training facilities will be adequate to meet future demand for skilled personnel in the chemical industry as identified by the Manpower Consultative Committee, of which I am chairman.
The committee's estimate of demand and supply even projects a slight surplus in absolute terms for chemical engineers sufficient to allow for a small element of movement away from industry.
Output from short one-year conversion courses has already made a significant contribution to increasing supply in the last couple of years. Supply in the later years has been increased by the expansion in 1979 of intake into normal three and four — year courses in third level institutions.
AnCO, in consultation with their statutory chemicals industry training committee are currently finalising a study to identify areas of key skills and the future demand for same in the chemical industry. Where this study identifies areas for direct action by AnCO, such action will be taken in consultation with all interests involved.
651.
asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied that the present education and training facilities will be adequate to meet future demand for skilled personnel in the micro-electronics industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am satisfied that existing and planned education and training facilities will be adequate to meet the future demand for skilled personnel in the micro-electronics industry as identified by the Manpower Consultative Committee, of which I am chairman.
However, there will be a shortfall between supply and demand for the next few years and this will be bridged as far as possible by recruitment from abroad and short conversion courses in third level colleges. The MCC estimate that the gaps will close by 1987 and a slight surplus is projected by 1990.
With regard to electrical/electronic technicians, I am satisfied that the projected output of these technicians from our educational system over the next few years will be adequate to satisfy the demands of industry.
AnCO, which have assisted all the micro-electronic firms that have set up here in recent times, are fully satisfied that their present planned training facilities will be adequate to meet the future demand for skilled personnel in those areas of the industry for which they have direct responsibility. AnCO keep the demand for skilled personnel in the micro-electronic sector under constant review and they recently participated in a study entitled "Micro-electronics—the Implications for Ireland" carried out by the National Board for Science and Technology which identified areas for attention in the future.