Vol. 395 No. 9
21 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied with the number of training courses available for hotel training, given the increased demands among hotels; whether he will consider an extension of the training scheme to a greater number of hotels and include training hotels during the season.
The resources being provided for CERT in 1990 are being considerably increased. This will enable CERT to train over 9,000 people in 1990 compared with around 7,900 in 1989.
The use of specific hotels as temporary training centres by CERT is dependent on the availability of appropriate facilities and demand for courses.
Will the Minister confirm that the demand for trainees has outstripped the number of people in training? I am advised that the Rosslare Hotel, which used to be available off-peak, is not likely to be available in the future, posing a specific problem in that area. In the light of this, is it likely that the CERT programme will be increased?
The budget for 1990 at £7.5 million is 21 per cent higher than in 1989. Due to the increase in tourism in the Rosslare area, it appears that the Rosslare Hotel will be open all year rather than on a seasonal basis. It is the policy of CERT to use hotels which close on a seasonal basis, so they will move to a hotel which closes for the winter months.
Have the hotel industry made their full contribution to CERT for 1989?
I am delighted to tell the Deputy that they have.
And all arrears?
It depends on the agreed arrears. I know that Deputy O'Sullivan would like to go back further than was agreed. I am glad I was able to succeed where others failed.
