Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, announced that visitor numbers increased by 6.5% in the first eight months of 2013. Coupled with figures published by the Central Statistics Office which confirmed that 15,200 jobs were created in accommodation and food services between the second quarter of 2011 and the first half of this year, this is welcome news. The figures vindicate the policy focus on support for the tourism industry the Government has pursued, including measures such as the reduction in VAT to 9% and a reduction in PRSI on employment in the sector, as well as initiatives such as The Gathering. Clearly, the Government's focus on growth in the tourism industry as part of its strategy for economic recovery is paying off and must be continued.

It is ironic that at this time of high unemployment, the success of recovery in the tourism industry is being threatened by a shortage of trained and skilled staff, in particular chefs. The tourism industry is finding it necessary to recruit substantial numbers of staff, including chefs, from outside the country. This is a crazy position considering the number of people on the live register who wish to upskill to find work.

Basic training in reception and kitchen work and other aspects of accommodation and food services provision that would lead to FETAC level 4 and 5 awards is not available. In addition, a number of Fáilte Ireland courses were cut some years ago. This means we do not offer any intermediate post-leaving certificate education other than the full-blown tourism courses offered by third level institutions. This gap in provision has been identified by the Irish Hotels Federation and Restaurants Association of Ireland. The Department and SOLAS, in conjunction with hoteliers, restaurateurs and their representative organisations, must take immediate action to provide proper training.

I understand that figures suggest 5,000 course places would be required immediately to meet demand, with a further 2,000 places needed each year. Filling this gap will require the introduction of an apprenticeship scheme, perhaps under the auspices of vocational education committees which have educational and training facilities in place nationwide. Such a scheme would facilitate integrated education and allow trainees to attend courses on certain days while continuing to work in restaurants and hotels where they would receive practical training. Such a programme should be established by the Minister as a matter of urgency. We have an excellent opportunity, in accordance with the Government's Pathways to Work programme, to increase the employability of jobseekers and provide education that is integrated with jobs.

The men and women working in the hospitality sector are essential to its success. Training them properly will ensure visitors have a good experience, pay return visits and advise their friends to come to this country. We are always brainstorming as we seek new ideas for creating meaningful training places that will deliver jobs. This is one such idea. I am aware that conversations are under way with SOLAS in this regard and there are measures in the pipeline. These steps should be taken sooner rather than later because many jobseekers would benefit greatly from the type of education programme I have described.

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