Vol. 511 No. 6
121 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the recommendations of the first report of the expert group on future skills needs; the matters outstanding from the first report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25116/99]
The recommendations of the expert group on future skills needs are set out in detail in its report. In summary, the recommendations concern the provision of additional training places to meet skills needs in the high tech sector, the potential for more flexible delivery of courses, the strengthening of business education links, the need for research into issues such as completion rates and research student numbers and the promotion abroad of job opportunities in Ireland. The recommendations impact on both education and training policy makers and providers.
In the context of preparing its second report, the group is currently reviewing the progress made on its recommendations. Current indications are that all recommendations have been progressed and many have been fully implemented. The detailed position will be set out in the second report of the group which is expected to be published in the early months of next year.
