Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:9 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, there are to publish a White Paper on State employment and training services. [10559/97]
Other Questions. - White Paper on State Employment.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:12 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment when the White Paper on training will be published in view of the promises over the past two years, including a promise further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 4 December 1996, that the paper would be submitted to the Government early in the new year. [10555/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:220 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the likely future of FÁS; the discussion and consideration, if any, he has given this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10537/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 12 and 220 together.
The White Paper on human resource development is one of the key national strategy papers that will constitute the framework and focus for employment policy into the next century. I am anxious, therefore, to ensure that the strategies and actions proposed in the White Paper are cohesive and realistic. The process of consultation, analysis and drafting has been lengthy and time consuming. I have circulated the draft White Paper to my colleagues and the Government is currently considering the issues involved.
The primary objective of the White Paper is to enhance competitiveness by developing the potential and skills of our human resources. The White Paper aims to promote in-company training, recognising that the development of those in employment is vital if companies are to remain competitive in this age of technological advancement.It also contains strategies aimed at ensuring an innovative training system which operates to world class standards, and strategies designed to integrate the unemployed into jobs through effective progression routes.
In the course of preparing the White Paper I engaged in a lengthy process of consultation with many groups and organisations which have had an interest in the development of our human resources. I have met the board of FÁS, employer and worker representatives and many others to discuss various aspects of the White Paper. From the outset I recognised that the practical experience and expertise of these interests would be invaluable in planning a new human resource development policy which will bring us into the next century. I am satisfied due recognition has been given to the views received during the process of consultation.
When the Government reaches a decision on the proposals, I will make them known to the public and I will implement the proposals in consultation with all concerned parties.
Are recent reports that the Minister has abandoned his plans to shake up FÁS correct?
I will not comment on speculation which is often wildly off the mark. I have brought proposals to Government and I hope to be able to publish them shortly. I will implement them in accordance with Government decisions and in consultation with all concerned parties.
Does the Minister mean by "shortly" a week or so? If they have been brought to Government why is there a delay in publishing the Government's decision?
I will not indicate a specific timeframe. Timely decisions will be taken about the matter and, when they are taken, I will publish the White Paper and the Deputy will have an opportunity to debate the issues in the House.
Before the summer recess?
I expect Deputy Harney and I will put forward our views on these matters in another guise.
There is confidence.
Did it go to Cabinet today?
There are ongoing discussions on the proposals in the White Paper. I hope to be able to announce the final position and publish the White Paper shortly. The Government continues to consider some of the issues involved and I am confident we will shortly be able to put the Deputy out of her misery in this regard.
It is the current Government that is miserable. The Tánaiste, Deputy Spring, says he has a misery list. One thing the Minister can never call me is miserable, whatever about members of the Government. The Minister promised the White Paper in January 1995 and, in his best dilatory tradition in doing business, two years and four months have elapsed. Will legislation be required to implement the proposals in the discussion document which the Minister brought to Cabinet?
When final decisions are made and the White Paper is published, the Deputy can assess that. There is always a possibility that proposals might involve legislative change. The Deputy is correct to point out that it is part of the programme for Government which was published in 1995——
The Minister spoke about it in an interview also.
——and I have put a great deal of work into it. That work will shortly come to fruition and the White Paper will be published. The Deputy will have an opportunity to discuss the issues involved in the House. Many of the proposals will coincide with her own view of the approach that needs to be taken to human resources development to ensure we continue to be to the forefront in skills development in Ireland.
It would help if the Government would define "shortly" for us as that is the answer we receive to every question. Is the Minister satisfied with the way FÁS currently conducts its business?
I am but no organisation is beyond change and improvement. The purpose of the White Paper is to take a step back from the day to day operations of a specific organisation and to look at the strategic directions that we need to take. It will indicate initiatives and the directions on which we should focus attention. Changes will follow from this. The Deputy's question, therefore, is not focused correctly. In developing proposals, it is not a question of being unhappy with a particular organisation but of wishing to be up to date with modern developments in this area. There is no doubt that in the 21st century it will be human resources issues and the way it organises skills that will set a country apart in terms of competitiveness rather than the traditional fixed plant and machinery.