asked the Minister for Labour if it is proposed to impose a levy on firms in Ireland in order to pay the cost of training schemes and grants; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training Schemes and Grants.
7.
The Industrial Training Act, 1967, provides for the imposition of levies by An Chomhairle Oiliúna and the making of grants for the promotion of industrial and commercial training. An Chomhairle Oiliúna are at present operating levy/grant schemes, in relation to three industrial sectors, that is to say textiles, clothing and footwear, food, drink and tobacco. Similar schemes in relation to further industrial sectors are in preparation by AnCO.
Each levy/grant scheme is designed to encourage firms to develop systematic training of their employees. A statutory Industrial Training Committee for each industrial sector, representative of employers and employees, advise AnCO on training requirements and on the formulation of the levy/grant schemes.
What percentage does it amount to?
I understand it is 1 per cent.
Can the Minister tell us what other sectors of industry will be involved or will be levied by AnCO and also whether it is planned to spread this right across the industrial sector?
Yes, it is intended to cover the whole industrial sector.
In what time?
I could not say.
To what sectors will it apply in the future besides the ones mentioned by the Minister?
Arrangements are at an advanced stage at the moment for levy/grant schemes in respect of the engineering industry, the construction industry and the printing industry.
Question No. 8.
Will these be returnable by AnCO to particular firms who decide to spend money training employees? It is very vague? The information given by the Minister is not explicit at all. Could we not have some details about it?
I think it is reasonably detailed. The position is that the levy is applied to the whole industry and goes towards the cost of providing training schemes which are at a level sufficient to satisfy AnCO. No firm is compelled to take part in it but if it does not of course it will not benefit from the grant aspect of the scheme.
But the levy is compulsory and it is 1 per cent of the total payroll.
I said I per cent. This was in my mind but I find that it is not in the notes so I am not certain that it is correct.
I understand it is 1 per cent of the payroll. Is that right?
We cannot discuss this question all evening. We have 113 questions on the Order Paper.
I think it is a very important matter that 1 per cent of the payroll should be taken by AnCO. I wonder what will come back to the company. This is another tax.
I repeat that when I mentioned 1 per cent it was in my mind but it is not in the notes and I am not sure that it is correct.
The Minister has given some indication of the range of application that is envisaged for the near future for the AnCO levy scheme. Is there any consideration being given to a scheme for training in agriculture and those things ancillary to the main line of agricultural production?
As far as I know the terms covering the setting up of An Comhairle Oiliúna do not cover agriculture.