Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have increased resources in the area of PPS numbers. There is huge demand at present, which the Deputy will appreciate, since we have just issued almost 32,000 PPS numbers to Ukrainians who are coming to this country. We have increased the resources in that area.

Deputy O'Dowd talked about skills shortages. I was at the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, VFI, conference last week. We know the hospitality sector is experiencing staff shortages so I was pleased to see yesterday that the VFI has launched a new bar management course in conjunction with SOLAS. That is showing people who choose that sector there is a career path in it for them. We have to get people interested in sectors because we know there is a demand for workers out there. For example, two weeks ago I launched the future building initiative with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris. We will drive recruitment in the construction sector where there are major opportunities in retrofitting and housebuilding. My Department is working with SOLAS, the education and training boards and employers to show there is a career path in the construction sector. I will be at a jobs fair this Thursday morning, which will be again around the construction sector. We want to try to help people get back into work.

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