Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 9

Written Answers. - Job Training Scheme.

John Bruton

Question:

328 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the arrangements that exist to ensure that the new scheme for employment of trainees will not be used to displace qualified workers in firms and provide a form of cheap labour.

Minister for Labour (Mr. Cowen)

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the job training scheme.

The scheme is a quality work based training programme provided by employers in co-operation with FÁS. It is open to employers with employment potential in the private sector, commercial State sector or voluntary sector who have a capacity to provide training to the required levels.

The training to be provided on employers' premises will include directed and workplace training both of which must integrate to form the total programme for trainees. The training programme being provided must be approved by FÁS in advance of the recruitment of trainees. The duration of the training will vary from 26 to 52 weeks depending on the job involved. The training will be supervised.

The arrangements for the scheme which have been agreed by the EC and the social partners, include a monitoring system involving my Department, FÁS, CERT and the social partners. In addition, the operation of this scheme and the employment subsidy scheme will be reviewed in consultation with the EC next October.

I am happy that the arrangements outlined are satisfactory.