Vol. 543 No. 2
735 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the conclusions of the Forfás expert group report on future skills needs need to be revisited in view of events and economic trends in the IT industry since that date; and if he will make a statement on the action being taken on each one of the ten main recommendations of this report. [25905/01]
The expert group on future skills needs was established to identify existing and emerging skills needs within the economy and to advise on appropriate actions to address these needs. The group has produced a number of reports to date and periodically updates its analyses of the labour market and skills requirements. It is an independent body in relation to its findings, conclusions and recommendations.
The ten recommendations referred to by the Deputy relate to those made by the group in its third report of July 2001 about the information and communications technology, or ICT, sector. The group is undertaking a review of the assumptions underlying the recommendations with regard to the downturn in the US economy and in the ICT sector and the tragic events of 11 September. The principal recommendation of the group in relation to ICT sector is for a special investment of £130 million or 165.07 million to be provided over five years for third-level skills provision. As I indicated previously, the resource implications of the group's recommendations will be addressed in the context of the Government's consideration of the annual Estimates.
