asked the Minister for Labour whether his Department has standing arrangements for keeping itself informed in detail as to job opportunities arising in other European Community countries and as to projections of likely areas of employment opportunity in the labour market of those countries over the next 20 years; the steps it takes to inform the Irish public of such job opportunities; and the liaison it maintains with the Department of Education so as to influence educational planning with a view to preparing Irish people to avail of such opportunities.
Written Answers. - European Community Job Opportunities.
52.
The European Community system of vacancy clearance, known as SEDOC, provides a means of exchanging information on vacancies in EC countries and applicants seeking placements. It also gives an overall view of the Community labour market. Because of the availability of suitable workers in all areas and a reduction in the number of vacancies due to the recession, most vacancies are filled locally, leaving very few for circulation. Circulated vacancies relate mainly to highly skilled technical occupations.
The National Manpower Service of my Department is fully involved in the workings of the SEDOC system and has regular direct contacts with the national placement service of each EC country. Information on vacancies from the SEDOC system is available at all offices of the service. There are a number of institutional arrangements for improving liaison between labour market and educational authorities. These include a high level liaison committee chaired by the Minister of State at the Departments of Education and Labour and representation by the Department of Education on the councils of AnCO and CERT and the board of the YEA. The White Paper on Manpower Policy will provide for improvements in the interface between the educational system and the world of work.