Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 1

Written Answers. - Future Skills Needs.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

909 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the recommendations in respect of extra places set out in table four of the report of the expert group on future skills needs has been accepted by the Government; if so, the time schedule to read the 5,400 additional places required; and, if not, when he will present a memorandum to Government on the matter. [1024/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The report of the expert group on future skills needs is currently under active consideration by my Department in consultation with other Departments.

My Department is committed to the elimination of any skills shortages and has put in place a number of co-ordinated measures designed to ensure a fit between the needs of industry and the throughput of graduates and technicians from our third level institutions.

The Government established the expert group on future skills needs as a key part of this analytical process and in conducting its work the group consulted very closely with the business and education sectors as well as the relevant Departments and State agencies. The high level of expertise of the members of the group and the depth of the ensuing consultative process lend a very high degree of authority to the recommendations set out in the report.