Vol. 516 No. 5
100 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she will take to ensure that the long-term unemployed and those in marginal employment have access to IT training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8040/00]
134 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she will take to ensure that quality IT training is available in evening courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8042/00]
I propose to take Question Nos. 100 and 134 together.
FÁS provides a wide range of day courses in IT for the unemployed, including the long-term unemployed. I am providing the Deputy with a list of the subjects covered. Certification is provided on all courses such as joint FÁS/City and Guilds, the European Computer Driving Licence, along with industry standard certification, for example Microsoft office user specialist and Microsoft certified professional.
In the year up to end November 1999 approximately 13,360 participants started on FÁS mainline training programmes, of whom approximately 22% were long-term unemployed.
The Fast Track to Information Technology initiative commenced last year to implement an action plan to train 3,500 long-term unemployed people in Dublin over three years, to the level of proficiency necessary to enter the IT industry in areas of skills shortage. FIT is an industry led initiative which has the complimentary objectives of meeting labour shortages in the IT industry while creating job opportunities for the long-term unemployed. Funding to resource the initiative comes from both the public and private sector.
As regards evening courses, FÁS provides courses in a wide range of IT topics at its regional training centres. Courses are subject to an end of course evaluation to ensure their quality and are updated on an annual basis. Relevant certification is provided.
The provision of training for people in employment is principally a matter for employers. However, FÁS, Enterprise Ireland and the Skillnets initiative provide a range of supports for enterprise level training including, where sought, training in IT. In addition, FÁS evening courses are primarily directed at people in employment. A wide range of IT training including evening courses is also currently provided by private and public educational and training institutions. Tax relief is available to individuals on the fees for designated courses in IT.
