Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 5

Written Answers. - Skill Shortages.

Jack Wall

Question:

51 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her response to the views expressed by the president of SIPTU that her proposals to attract 200,000 workers from overseas will impose impossible demands on our existing inadequate infrastructure and will further fuel the cost of houses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11976/00]

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

It has been estimated that in order to meet the ambitious but achievable objectives of the national development plan, that is, strong growth, improved social infrastructure including housing, health and education as well as improved physical infrastructure that 200,000 workers will need to be added to the labour force to make up shortfalls and vacancies arising.

These needs will have to be met if we are to meet the objectives we have set ourselves in the national development plan to 2006. Over the per iod to 2006 it is estimated that some 88,000 workers will be required to meet labour market growth while a further 112,000 will be required to replace workers who will leave Ireland for a variety of reasons, for education or for personal or social development. Over half of the jobs to be filled will be in respect of ongoing migration from Ireland, a testimony to people's confidence in the labour market, and will, in the main, be filled by those who left earlier. We now have the opportunity of enabling both those who left, or those who were left out, to participate in our success with increased employment opportunities being taken up across the spectrum ranging from those moving from unemployment to increased participation from at home and abroad.

The Irish migration effect will ease the strain as we seek to improve housing and infrastructure which will also be assisted by the Government's strong commitment to more balanced regional development. The Government recently decided to establish an immigration policy advisory committee, which will include the social partners, to oversee the development and adjustment of immigration policy and that our skill requirements are appropriately aligned, sourced and viable.