Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Skill Shortages.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

189 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the severe skill shortages facing businesses which have established call centres; and the plans, if any, she or the IDA have to freeze any further call centre investments in Ireland until the skill shortage has been met. [2021/98]

Conor Lenihan

Question:

190 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are severe skill shortages facing businesses that have established call centres here; and the plans, if any, she or the IDA have to freeze any future call centre investments in Ireland until this skill shortage has been met. [2022/98]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

IDA Ireland has been actively encouraging the establishment of call centres in Ireland since 1992. There are approximately 50 centres established employing approximately 4,500 people at present.

In the past two years a number of companies commenced recruitment at the same time. This resulted in skill shortages for some of these companies. This was identified at the time and the Government has since responded to these shortages with the announcement in mid-1997 of extra places in the educational system for language training. Approximately 500 students commenced a two year course — Certificate in International Teleservice — in 20 vocational education committees in September 1997. The intention is that this number will increase to 1,000 students in September 1998 and in future years.

An increased number of call centres are locating in regional locations where there is an availability of people with language fluency. IDA Ireland has a close working relationship with its existing clients and most companies have projections over a five year period. This allows IDA Ireland to work with its clients and the Government to help manage the requirements of these companies in the future, to ensure an adequate supply of people with the relevant skills.