Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 5

Written Answers - Skills Base.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

37 Mr. Spring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, which are being taken by her Department to ensure that adequate numbers of specially trained employees are available to fill the jobs being offered in the high technology and service industries. [18262/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

My Department and the industrial development agencies have been working with the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Finance, the Higher Education Authority and FÁS to ensure the skills needed for the development of industry and employment are available.

As a result of this co-operation targets have been set for an increased annual output of 1,000 additional computing graduates, 1,000 additional linguists and 750 additional technicians. The Government provided £5 million to commence intake to these courses in 1997. In the past two years FÁS has provided training for 832 people in software-computing, 1,083 in electronics and related courses and 487 in telesales courses. FÁS is examining how it might enhance its activities in this area in 1998.

I draw the Deputy's attention to the Government's decision to establish a £250 million education technology investment fund which will be used to develop technology education at all levels ranging from primary schools to advanced research and to promote new areas of activity where emerging needs are identified.

I have announced the establishment of a new business, education and training partnership to develop national strategies at the highest levels which tackle the issues of skills needs, manpower forecasting and education for industry and business.

The significant financial provision being provided by the Government, with the new business, education and training partnership, will greatly enhance our ability to provide an adequate skills base to enable us maximise the benefits to Ireland of developments in the high technology and other sectors.