Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are monitoring what is happening in other countries and I will check what is happening in the UK. We help with the training and qualifications end of this. Full-time and part-time courses are provided in all the areas affected by this directive through the ETBs and institutes of technology, as well as Skillnets which involves employers. There are many options available at the training end. However, some of this has to do with work practices in the workplace. This is not an area in which the Department of Education and Skills can get involved.

I accept the Deputy’s point that the overall co-ordination is an extra burden on these companies. We are examining this through the LEOs. We are involved in the skills end of this but we do not have a role in the auditing of the workplace. That has to be arranged with the companies in question. Many employer groups are involved in this in terms of putting together various options. Skillnets is the place where we can enhance provision.

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