Ivor Callely
Ceist:28 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress, if any, on the White Paper on human resources development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18281/97]
Written Answers - Human Resource Development.
Michael Bell
Ceist:29 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will give details of her intentions regarding the recent White Paper on the future of training and job placement in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18357/97]
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:70 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, which have been taken to implement the commitment given in An Action Programme for the Millennium for the development of a new system of traineeships and the examination of the future role of FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18245/97]
Ivor Callely
Ceist:87 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the likely development and expansion of FÁS over the next five years; if she has met with the board of FÁS or officials of FÁS to discuss this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18384/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 29, 70 and 87 together.
I am aware of the research and analysis which lay behind the White Paper on Human Resource Development, which was published in May this year. I agree generally with that analysis and I am currently considering the best way to implement the policies and initiatives contained in the White Paper.
It is vital, if our economy is to be competitive, and if we are to have a skilled workforce in a position to avail of the many new job opportunities coming on stream, that we have training and employment service arrangements that are flexible and able to meet these needs. It is in this context that any decisions on the future role and structure of FÁS will be taken. I am currently reviewing a range of options with regard to the development of a national employment service.
I plan to meet the board of FÁS in the near future to discuss all the relevant issues. Any decisions taken will be implemented in full consultation with all interested parties.
In relation to traineeship a programme will be developed when a number of pilot projects in operation are completed. Traineeship has already proven to be a flexible way to meet emerging skills demands, particularly in the fields of technology and foreign languages. It is also a mechanism which brings entry-level training very close to the labour market itself — the programme is finely attuned to the needs of the labour market, with employers involved in curriculum development, determination of standards and the provision of traineeship places.