Vol. 521 No. 1
49 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself that an adequate supply of labour exists to meet the requirements of industry with particular reference to high tech industries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16551/00]
The most recent quarterly national household survey published last week by the Central Statistics Office reveals a continuation of the very positive employment and labour market trends with strong growth in employment, falling unemployment and underlying substantial growth in the labour force. However, the scale of recent labour force growth and falls in unemployment means that the labour market is inevitably tightening. It is vital, therefore, for employers to enhance productivity and retain competitiveness through continuously reviewing and upgrading the skills of their employees.
Government policy is aimed at facilitating the growth of the enterprise sector through measures which aim to further mobilise labour supply and enhance the skills base. Measures to mobilise labour supply, generally, are detailed in the Government's Employment Action Plan for 2000. Measures aimed at addressing the skills needs of industry and the information technology sector in particular, were detailed in reply to a recent question from the Deputy.
As regards the other aspects of the high technology sector, the expert group on future skills needs, in its second report, has made a number of recommendations aimed at increasing the supply of skills in chemical and biological sciences. These recommendations include the need for additional third level places and a strengthening of awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging young people to enter these fields of study.
