asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that the levy/grant system adopted for training schemes in industry in England will be abolished and replaced with a system of grants without levies in order to encourage industries to provide better training schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Training Schemes.
128.
The latest British Government announcement on its industrial training proposals indicated that the levy/grant system is not being abolished but that the system is being modified in the light of experience.
The measures required to improve industrial training in Ireland should be considered primarily in relation to our own needs and not by reference to changes in Britain. Apart from differences between the two countries in industrial tradition and nature and scale of industry it should be borne in mind that the levy/grant system has been in operation in Britain for over seven years, whereas it has been applied in this country for a short time only.
I would refer the Deputy to the latest annual report of AnCo which gives information on the valuable results which have followed from the introduction of levy/grant. In my view the levy/grant system should be given a fair trial over a reasonable period. It will, of course, be kept under continuing review by AnCO and my Department and, if necessary, modifications will be introduced in the light of practical experience.