Vol. 418 No. 9
1 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the number of persons placed under the job training scheme since its official launch; whether he has satisfied himself with the operation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
for theMinister for Labour: The job training scheme involving training on employers premises is a major new departure in our training arrangements. I indicated at the launch on 2 March 1992 of the scheme that the provision of quality training involving the preparation of training plans, structures and supervision would not be simple.
Since then, detailed manuals have been prepared for the guidance of FÁS and CERT staff and for employers themselves. I am happy to advise the Deputy that this development phase is now being finalised and FÁS and CERT are in a position to meet employers interested in participating in the scheme with a view to recruiting trainees. I anticipate that the first trainees will be recruited by the middle of May.
While the Minister may describe it as a major new departure how significant will this scheme be in relation to job creation? Can he indicate the number of jobs the Department estimate will be created under this training scheme and how is he going to ensure that it will not amount to another handout? Would he also explain the reason for the delay in implementing this scheme which was launched some time ago? Was it not remiss of the Minister for Labour to launch the scheme before approval was granted in Brussels and the scheme was fully thought out?
In response to the Deputy's latter point, given that the scheme was only launched on 2 March, I reject the idea that there has been any undue delay. Second, as I mentioned in the reply, I wish to emphasise that it is a new departure and, consequently, there will be some teething problems, but we will be able to recoup 75 per cent of the cost from Brussels. We think it will be a very successful scheme under which training on the job will be provided with backing from Europe. I do not think it is possible to estimate how many people will get new jobs or to assess the impact it will have until the scheme is launched. The Department of Labour are hopeful that it will have a significant impact.
A very brief question from Deputy Ahearn.
Can the Minister assure me that this scheme will not merely replace other FÁS schemes, that it will be an additional scheme to help people find new jobs? Surely, the Department of Labour have assessed its potential to create jobs. Why would one invest so much money in a scheme if it was not going to create long term jobs?
The fact is that it is a new departure in the sense that FÁS provide training off the job, but under this scheme training will be provided on the job. It is so attractive that the Department of Labour are of the opinion that it must be successful in the creation of jobs. The conditions are right to bring about an increase in jobs.
