Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have come from 15% unemployment to the situation where it is now 7.2%, and from a time when there were very few labour activation measures to the present, when there is a wide range of them. IBEC made reference to the skills shortages which are emerging. In what specific areas are these shortages most prevalent? How can the gap be bridged and how can the much-needed skills be secured?

The presentation referred to inconsistencies in the quality of services such as Intreo and the pathway to work services. Can the witnesses expand on this and give examples of where they have seen inconsistencies? Does the quality vary across counties or regions? I agree with IBEC on JobBridge but while the emphasis in the presentation was on JobBridge, there are many other job activation measures such as JobsPlus, Springboard and CE schemes.

As no reference was made to those, what are the witnesses' views on them and can they be improved? Given that the Minister has pulled the plug on JobBridge, have submissions been made to him or his Department on a new scheme? We have a broad outline of what will be in it but has a submission been made in that regard?