asked the Minister for Labour the steps he proposes to take to deal with the growing shortage of trained staff in Ireland's hotels which threatens the growth targets for tourism.
Written Answers. - Shortage of Trained Hotel Staff.
35.
I should say at the outset that the primary responsibility for training for industry rests with industry.
CERT are the State agency with the function of co-ordinating the education, recruitment and training of personnel for the hotel, catering and tourism industry with particular reference to the direct needs of tourism. Throughput on CERT training programmes in 1988 was over 7,500 including 4,580 already employed in the industry whose skills were being updated. A similar throughput is projected for 1989. Expenditure by CERT in 1988 was £5.8 million.
The education system also provides training opportunities for young persons wishing to be employed in the industry. CERT have had discussions recently with that Department regarding the provision of additional opportunities in the educational system.