Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 3

Written Answers. - Skill Shortages.

Ivor Callely

Question:

80 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the potential of FÁS to help address the skills and labour shortage; the level of involvement with people with a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7250/01]

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

To facilitate the continued growth of the economy, the Government has established the expert group on future skills needs to forecast future skills requirements and to develop strategies to address identified labour and skills requirements. Progress on the implementation of its recommendations is set out in the group's annual reports.

My Department is also pursuing a skills based immigration based policy, notably through the FÁS Jobs Ireland campaign and work permits and visas schemes, to supply skills needs of the economy which cannot be indigenously met.

As regards the involvement of people with a disability, I presume the Deputy is referring to the capacity of such people to make a positive contribution to addressing current skills and lab our shortages. In that regard, officials of my Department recently made a comprehensive report to the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, of which the Deputy is Chairman, setting out in detail the policies being pursued to ensure that employment opportunities for people with a disability are maximised and the role of FÁS in this area.