National Training Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2018

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

Questions (101)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

101. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the 2017 recommendation of the National Competitiveness Council on Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2017 that the National Training Fund must have a clear mandate and objectives regarding in-company training; her further views on reorienting the expenditure profile of the fund to provide greater support to effective in-employment training programmes; and if she has had discussions in this regard with the Minister for Education and Skills. [25928/18]

Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Given the recent fall in unemployment to 5.8% and the increased rate of technological change which will impact on many people currently employed, I support the National Competitiveness Council's recommendation to reorient the expenditure profile of the National Training Fund (NTF) to provide greater support to effective in-employment training programmes.

My Department is participating on a Steering Committee overseeing a review of the NTF commissioned by the Department of Education and Skills and has drawn attention to the recommendations of the National Competitiveness Council in this context.