Vol. 490 No. 5
86 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself that Ireland is in a position to provide sufficient numbers of skilled technicians to meet the demand from hi-tech firms in Ireland; the number of computer engineers and programmers projected to be required over the next three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10795/98]
The interim skills group which was established under the aegis of Forfás recommended the following additional output from the education system: 1,000 additional computer applications graduates, 1,000 additional linguists from PLC and regional technical college courses, and 750 additional technicians from regional technical college courses.
In November 1997, the Government launched the £250 million scientific and technological education (investment) fund which included allocations to cover the cost of these additional places. At the same time, I also announced a new business, education and training partnership. As part of this partnership, an expert group on skills was established to carry out analyses of the future skills needs of the economy and to develop proposals to meet these needs. As part of its work the expert group is examining the demand and supply of skills for technology companies in Ireland, and is expected to report shortly. Its report will contain both an assessment of the supply and demand for technology skills and proposals to address any possible shortfalls.
