Vol. 423 No. 2
57 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline his input into the Green Paper on Education; if he will further outline his priorities in the education and training areas so as to improve the employment prospects of school leavers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In accordance with normal practice, discussions took place at ministerial and departmental level in relation to aspects of the Government's Green Paper on Education which were of mutual concern to the Minister for Education and myself or which could have a bearing on my area of responsibility.
The objectives of training, and facilities in relation to training, are set out in the White Paper on Manpower Policy, 1986 and the National Development Plan, 1989-1993. The White Paper outlined the objectives of training as follows:
(i) To ensure an adequate supply of highly qualified and skilled manpower for the needs of the economy;
(ii) To improve the overall skill level and motivation of the labour force;
(iii) To provide opportunities to acquire skills appropriate to jobs which are, or are likely to become, available;
(iv) To assist enterprises and workers to cope with occupational, structural and technological change;
(v) To improve the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for new enterprises by having available a highly trained, adaptable and versatile workforce.
In relation to equality and equity, the White Paper outlined the following objectives:
(i) To promote equality in access to jobs and training;
(ii) To provide disadvantaged groups with access to employment schemes and training opportunities and so improve their employment prospects.
