asked the Minister for Labour the present number of young people on work exchanges-work experience programmes in other countries; the names of those countries; the total cost of the programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Work Exchanges-Experience Programmes.
15.
FÁS and CERT administer a number of programmes involving work exchanges-work experience in other countries. The main FÁS programmes are the EC Young Workers Exchange Programme, the overseas sponsorship programme which includes placement in Japan, the European Orientation Programme and a number of marketing programmes.
At present, there is a total of 467 young people on overseas work exchanges and work experience programmes. It is estimated that the total cost of these programmes in 1989 is about £1 million involving sponsorship and funding from a variety of sources.
Details of the countries involved and the cost of individual programmes by source of funding would be day to day matters for the agencies. The Deputy may, however, wish to contact FÁS and CERT in this connection.
I should like to thank the Minister for the information contained in his reply. My primary interest is in hotel and catering workers who can benefit immensely and improve the image and status of Ireland as a premier tourist resort if they receive international training. I hope that specialised training for those involved in the tourism industry will get the priority it deserves at a time when that industry is on the point of expanding.
My information is that CERT have organised about 19 training and work experience projects overseas. At present there are 187 participants placed in five countries — Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, France and the USA.
Would the Minister agree that there is tremendous scope for an expansion of this type of programme, based on reciprocity if necessary, and through utilisation of third level institutions which largely lie idle for long periods during the year, in particular during the summer?
I agree with what the Deputy has said. I have some data on the great number of courses which are held, but we are open to the idea of exchanges and the use of FÁS centres to allow switching to take place with the Spanish and Portuguese. This is working very successfully and we are very supportive of it.