Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Such action is already being taken. We have a broad idea of the sectors that are in difficulty. A recent Forfás report pointed out the decline in certain traditional areas of manufacturing, including textiles, leather and electrical machinery. On the other hand, however, we have made gains in engineering, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Those areas in which jobs are being lost are generally characterised by low utilisation of technology, high density of labour and corresponding difficulties in terms of cost base.

The One Step Up initiative, which we launched in 2004 through FÁS, is an attempt to do what Deputy Morgan suggests, that is, provide upskilling to the existing workforce. Some €40 million was provided under this scheme in 2004 and it was expanded in 2005 and 2006. In addition, the Skillnets programme, an industry-led upskilling initiative, has €62 million to spend between now and 2009 on upskilling and training within companies and particular sectors. Companies within a range of diverse sectors have drawn down funding under the Skillnets scheme and the feedback is positive.

The national skills strategy, which we are close to finalising, will involve a ramping up of efforts in terms of upskilling the existing workforce. This is the significant challenge facing us in the coming decade. We must move the emphasis from acting only when people become unemployed to providing training before that happens. I do not disagree with the fundamental point Deputy Morgan is making.

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