Seán Barrett
Question:99 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to sanction new places as recommended by the committee on future skills identification. [3618/99]
Written Answers. - Skills Shortages.
The report on the expert group on future skills is currently under active consider ation by my Department in consultation with other Departments.
My Department is committed to the elimination of any skills shortages and has put in place a number of co-ordinated measures designed to ensure a fit between the needs of industry and the throughput of graduates and technicians from our third level institutions.
The Government established the expert group on future skills as a key part of this analytical process and in conducting its work the group consulted very closely with the business and education sectors as well as relevant Departments and State agencies. The high level of expertise of the members of the group and the depth of the ensuing consultative process lend a very high degree of authority to the recommendations set out in the report.
A decision on the reports recommendations will be made without any undue delay.