Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to ask a few questions. I did not realise that jobseekers were entitled to free access to Skillnets courses. Perhaps we should examine that from an advertising viewpoint. I would be interested to hear from Dr. Ó hÓbáin about the ManagementWorks programme. What is Skillnets finding from the 320 clients? Are patterns developing for gaps and particularly in the leadership area? It is important that we should continue in that role because all the evidence indicates that we need to educate leaders for companies to build.

Is there any element of conversion courses that includes languages? It seems to be a barrier in particular areas and especially for the German market. Is Skillnets considering that?

I understand that only one gentleman in the south is running the ManagementWorks area. Hopefully, extra funding can be considered because it is an very large area for one individual to manage, as well as encouraging all the companies to get involved. If the budget allows for such funding, perhaps that can be looked into.

Cork County Council has done a lot of work with e-centres which involves setting up hot-desk areas and training facilities. Is this something we could examine with Skillnets, for example, how we could engage with the wider community by running more courses that are needed in a more focused way?