Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018
81. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount granted on street and online betting companies via the Skillnet scheme since Skillnet Ireland was founded; the betting companies that were successful in their grant application; the details of the headings for which the funds were granted to the companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46301/18]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that Skillnet Ireland awards funding to enterprise groups (known as Skillnet learning networks) as part of the Skillnet Training Networks Programme. Skillnet Ireland does not directly provide funding to individual companies. Similarly, companies do not apply for grants from Skillnet learning network, but can apply to participate in relevant and subsidised training programmes undertaken by the Skillnet learning network.
All private sector companies, including on street and on-line betting companies are eligible to participate in Skillnet learning networks in order to access general upskilling opportunities for their staff. These upskilling opportunities serve to support the competitiveness of businesses , and the sustainability and growth of employment. On street and on-line betting companies may have participated in Skillnet subsidised training with some of the regionally based Skillnet learning networks but this would not have been specific training for that industry.
Skillnet Ireland have previously provided funding to a learning network promoted by the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland during the period 2014 – 2017. This learning network was called the Gaming & Leisure Skillnet. Whilst the network was promoted by the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland, its activities were focussed predominantly on the Leisure, Sports and Hospitality sectors. Of the network’s 874 active member companies, 4.8% were on street and on-line betting companies (in terms average annual participation with the Skillnet). This learning network has now ceased.
