Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Overseas Graduate Programme.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

69 Mr. Dukes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will issue instructions to FÁS to restore the overseas programme for students who are placed in companies in countries such as Japan and Taiwan; if she will make a statement on the reason for the discontinuance of this scheme in 1999; and if she gave approval in this regard. [4172/99]

Nora Owen

Question:

114 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will issue instructions to FÁS to restore the overseas programme for students who are placed in companies in countries such as Japan and Taiwan; if she will make a statement on the reason for the discontinuance of this scheme in 1999; and if she gave approval in this regard. [4192/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 114 together.

Placements under the overseas graduate programme are being temporarily suspended in light of the skills shortages which are present in the economy, particularly in the high technology area. This strategy is the correct one in the current circumstances and, in that context, I do not propose to request that FÁS pursue a different course of action.

FÁS has put measures in place to attract former participants of the programme who have remained overseas back to Ireland as part of an overall strategy to address the skills shortages which I have referred to.

It is intended to review the programme in the middle of this year in light of this strategy and the overall skills situation with a view to recommencing placements as soon as possible.