Batt O'Keeffe
Question:38 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the proposals, if any, he has to meet the major skills shortages which were signalled to his Department over three years ago. [5338/97]
Written Answers. - Skills Shortages.
Robert Molloy
Question:46 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will make a statement on reports that the shortage of engineers in Ireland is forcing some Irish companies to set up part of their operations in Britain. [6210/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 46 together.
IDA Ireland has had unprecedented success in attracting multinational corporations to locate in Ireland in recent years. The largest achievements have been in the electronics, software and tele-servicing sectors. Over the past two years alone, Ireland has attracted over 40 new electronics companies and 33 of the existing companies have announced expansion plans. Furthermore, the number of tele-based call centres has increased to 40 in the same period. The Government is determined to ensure that there will be an adequate supply of suitably qualified young people to fill vacancies in these sectors now and in the future.
The Action Plan on Skills is the Government's strategic approach to the opportunities coming up the track. I have announced, along with my colleague, the Minister for Education, Deputy Niamh Bhreathnach, the details of this Cabinet-backed package of measures to address the future skills needs of business on Tuesday, 4 March 1997.
The Action Plan Skills includes an increase in the number of places on one year post graduate courses in computer applications. The output from this one year programmes, including those under the Advanced Technical Skills Programme, will be over 800 this year. It is planned to increase this output to 1,250 for the 1997-98 academic year.
An increase in the number of third level languages places:— 750 extra places per annum in post leaving certificate courses; 250 extra places per annum in regional technical college courses with language content and placement abroad for 1,000 students per annum.
A bidding process with educational and training institutions both in the public and private sectors to identify the most cost-effective way of providing an extra 1,000 software graduates per annum and 750 technical places per annum.
A steering committee, chaired by Noel Lindsay, Chairman of the Higher Education Authority, to oversee the bidding process — the other four members of the committee are Peter Baldwin, Department of Enterprise and Employment; Eugene O'Sullivan, Department of Finance; Linda Gaynor, Farrell Grant Sparks and William McAteer, Anglo Irish Bank.
An urgent examination by officials from the Departments of Education, Enterprise and Employment, and Finance of the opportunities for increased utilisation of the existing training and education infrastructure to generate additional software places.
The officials group will also address the cost implications of the overall package and report with the results of the bid process and associated costs.
The establishment of regional fora, involving FÁS, third level colleges and industry with a view to designing innovative ways of meeting the needs of local industry, particularly for technicians in the electronics industry. These fora are to make an initial report within three months. Options include upgrading the skills of existing crafts people, extending specialised FÁS Traineeships, distance learning options, adding new modules to traditional apprenticeships.
I am satisfied that the comprehensive, integrated approach being adopted by Government is the appropriate strategy to ensure that we continue to benefit from the job creation opportunities that we have exploited to successfully in recent years.