Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the deputation. There was a vote in the Seanad so I offer my apologies if the witnesses have already answered some of these questions. My first question is for SOLAS and relates to labour market forecasting. I am keen to hear the views on how it currently works. I understand the SOLAS labour market research unit carries out forecasting. Is SOLAS satisfied with the current abilities of the structure and how it is resourced? Following the crash, many skilled people were left unemployed and without the necessary skills to bridge the gaps that existed. I do not remember any statutory or semi-state body shouting out that this was going to happen. Fundamentally, it is a question about predicting the labour market. Are we in a better position now? Are we setting out the structures whereby such an occurrence can be pre-empted or groups can forecast where the labour market is going? That involves linking with business. Where do we stand currently in that regard? It is important that the same mistakes are not made again.

The IBEC deputation referenced the OECD and the inevitability of vocational programmes in educational institutions becoming self-fulfilling as well as how they are not actually responding to business needs. Where exactly do we stand on that? Do we have sufficient business presence with regard to our labour market needs?

Reference was made to re-skilling. For example, following the crash, the skills of electricians were no longer required to the same extent. I know people who changed course completely but got little support from the State with regard to a new career and re-skilling. These issues need to be examined. Germany has 350 recognised occupations covered by apprenticeship schemes, whereas here, according to my last recollection, the corresponding figure was 30 recognised trades which come under the relevant schemes. What is the position with regard to this and occupations covered under the apprenticeship schemes?

I will outline one example involving a young man who came to me. He wanted to a course that happened to be in welding. He was Galway-based but no training course was available there and he had to go to Ballina. He was enthusiastic about it and went for his interview. He got some equipment to do the welding course and practised with it. He was eager and determined. Then he did the interview, but did not get onto the course. He got a one- or two-line response. That was not encouraging for a young person. I imagine it was a run-of-the-mill response, but we are supposed to be tackling youth unemployment. I realise there is a balance to be struck with regard to long-term unemployment and youth employment. There was a view that perhaps it went to someone on the live register who was long-term unemployed; I do not know. I suppose that is equally commendable, but my point is we need to ensure that we are encouraging our young people throughout the process and that they get proper feedback. This man went through a great deal of work to be successful in his interview and application. It is important that we work with young people to encourage them and give them feedback rather than write out the standard letter.

It is a little like mentoring but it is critical. Someone mentioned self-esteem as I walked in the door, although I am unsure in what context. Anyway, it is important that we tackle youth unemployment. These people could potentially be our long-term unemployed. I appreciate that we have a balance to strike between getting people who are long-term unemployed off the live register and tackling youth unemployment.

I refer to the geographical spread of the courses. He was prepared to travel to the next county to attend the training course. I speak in general terms, but it is about striking a balance and getting to and tapping into enthusiastic young people when they have just left school or college. What work is being done in that regard?