Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I will give the Deputy an honest answer but I do not know whether it is the right one. One can waste a great deal of time restructuring institutions. What is required is joined-up thinking on policy. In the context of the process relating to Action Plan for Jobs, we are trying to ensure that everyone is on the same wavelength rather than engaging in a huge structural reorganisation. I am aware of some organisations which spent 12 months trying to reorganise themselves and decide who has responsibility for what. In such circumstances too much effort goes into the process of merging responsibilities or whatever rather than on developing a clear policy. That is not to say that structural change is not necessary because at times it is necessary. However, one should look first at policy integration and whether it is possible to develop a policy which encourages joined-up thinking across Departments. It can be awkward at times because three different Ministers must speak in respect of different parts of the brief. It is possible, however, to defend training being placed within the education remit, particularly as it is about standards, progression, etc.

Once it is open to sufficient influence and connection into the world of real employment, that is a good model and that is what must be built. The challenge for SOLAS and the Department of Education and Skills is to build that connection. We are also working to try to help build it. In a time of crisis, one works as best one can with the structures on already has in place in order to deliver. Some structural changes have had to be made. The difficulties with FÁS, which has been replaced by SOLAS, were inherited from the previous Government. The change that has occurred has been worthwhile because FÁS, as it was constituted, was not working. We have brought the employment placement service within the remit of the Department of Social Protection and a much more developmental model - which can be improved on over time - is being used. We need to build a bridge with the Department of Education and Skills in order to strengthen the position. We have already done this in certain areas. For example, a good model is in place in the area of ICT and the two Departments work well together as a result. As more skills opportunities emerge in the economy, we will have to ensure that SOLAS and MOMENTUM become better integrated in the context of employment needs. There is a challenge for both Departments in this regard. I apologise for the long-winded reply.