Robert Molloy
Ceist:18 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will report on the drafting of the White Paper on Human Resources. [7660/96]
Written Answers. - Human Resource Development.
The White Paper on Human Resource Development is one of a number of key national strategy papers that I have been working on over the past year, which together will constitute the framework and focus for employment policy into the next century.
The importance of the human resource factor in this overall framework cannot be underestimated. There is an increasing recognition that the development of our human resources potential is crucial to future economic growth and employment expansion in Ireland. The primary objective of the White Paper will be to define the strategies and programmes which will encourage and support Irish business to improve its overall skills and thus enhance its capacity to prosper in an increasingly competitive national and international business environment; and improve the knowledge and skills of individuals in or entering the labour force particularly those on the margins of the labour force.
In addition to the research and analysis that has been undertaken by my Department in the preparatory stages, there has been a substantial level of consultation involving many parties with an interest in the ideas for the development of our human resources. This is a significant national policy area and I am anxious to ensure that before drawing final conclusions, all possible avenues have been explored.
The drafting of the White Paper is now in the final stages, and I will be submitting my proposals to Government shortly.