Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

Manufacturing, particularly advanced manufacturing, is crucial to the future of the economy. As the Minister indicated in his reply, in terms of direct employment, manufacturing is responsible for less than 10% of all employment but more than 30% of gross domestic product. I appreciate that the Government has specifically recognised the importance of manufacturing by devoting a considerable section of its action plan for jobs to the sector.

I want to ask the Minister about two specific commitments in the action plan. He will be aware a general report on future skills needs in the economy has been published. The Government has given a commitment to the production of a detailed assessment of manufacturing skills needs. It has also committed to putting in place a strategic plan for manufacturing. When can we expect those two initiatives to be taken? What is the timeline for them?

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