John Perry
Ceist:127 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has for increased recognition of the central role of education training in upgrading of firms capability. [21462/98]
Written Answers. - Education and Training.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of today's date regarding life long learning which, inter alia, details various initiatives which are being taken to assist training in employment. In particular, I would draw attention to the proposed training networks programme and to the role of Enterprise Ireland.
In regard to the latter, the mission of Enterprise Ireland is to help client companies to develop a sustainable competitive advantage, leading to increasing profitable sales exports and employment. The agency will implement a business development model covering the key strategic business functions. The model fully recognises the significance of training and human resource development in assisting firms to upgrade their capability and thus grow their competitive advantage.
Relevant resources will shortly transfer from FÁS to Enterprise Ireland to facilitate it in implementing this aspect of the business development model. In addition, there will continue to be close co-operation at regional level between FÁS, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland aimed at ensuring that the training activities of FÁS are fully attuned to the needs of firms.