Vol. 520 No. 1
402 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give urgent consideration to the need to develop training and education facilities in our colleges and institutes in the area of Internet film and entertainment in view of the considerable potential for employment that this industry provides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15273/00]
There are currently a range of programmes being offered at third level and in the PLC sector in the area of media, film and entertainment studies to meet the needs of that industry.
A range of courses to meet the immediate needs of the screen industry are also offered by Screen Training Ireland which operates under FÁS and is funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and is representative of education, training and industry.
The establishment of the widely representative business-education and training partnership forum, together with the expert group on future skills need and the management implementation group, has provided a framework within which co-operation between industry and the third level sector can be fostered and channelled into joint action. This structure enables the identification of pressing skill needs and appropriate responses from the various agencies involved, including the education system.
I will keep these issues under review in the light of developing needs.
