Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Will Mr. Donohoe or his colleague Mr. Daly of the expert group outline what sectors currently face skills shortages? Are any additional sectors expected to face skills shortages in the next few years?

On SOLAS, the issue of employers and the cost of new apprenticeships during block releases for training came up at a previous meeting of the committee. This is a cost issue of particular importance for special needs assistants, SNAs. Are there plans to introduce funding to cover these costs? We heard that the legislation governing apprenticeships should be updated. Does SOLAS agree?

On the Department, a matter was discussed at the previous meeting of the committee but I am re-affirming it. There are issues and delays within the Department of Justice and Equality that impact on the issuing of permits. Will the Department make a submission in response to the issues raised at the previous meeting? Perhaps time will not allow officials to appear before the committee, but we should ask the Department to provide a response to the issues raised at the previous meeting because they were significant issues which were reiterated earlier. There is no need for Ms Dunne to respond but I appreciate her offer to raise it at the meeting on Thursday. It is important the Department of Justice and Equality be made aware that there are concerns.

Is SOLAS satisfied it is adequately resourced to meet the targets in the expansion plans that have been outlined? Have additional resources been requested to meet those targets? I asked Mr. Donohoe and Mr. Daly from the expert group about the issue of struggling industries. What sectors are struggling to find skilled workers in the experience of SOLAS? Will representatives from either the expert group or SOLAS comment on whether these shortages have an impact on foreign direct investment? Mr. Donohoe might want to consider the second hat again on that issue.