Skill Shortages

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2011

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Questions (29)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

27 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if, in view of the mismatch of available skills and available jobs in the market and the expensive and often slow infrastructure within his Department in identifying new skills sets that will be needed in the immediate future, he will consider a new State sponsored jobs media based on the LinkedIn model that would connect employers with unemployed persons with relevant skills immediately. [28883/11]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

FÁS Jobs Ireland is an online marketplace where jobseekers and employers can find information about employment opportunities in Ireland and across Europe. As responsibility for the FÁS Employment Services has transferred to the Minister for Social Protection I have referred your question to her for consideration and direct reply to you. With regard to the identification of new skills for the future, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs now comes under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills which has responsibility for the provision of training and education.