Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38626/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The position in relation to the company mentioned by the Deputy is that Enterprise Ireland has provided €60,000 of training assistance towards the development of management structure capable of running a large IT organisation. In relation to the 90 jobs recently announced by the company, no funding was provided by Enterprise Ireland for these jobs.

As is always the case, decisions in relation to the recruitment of staff is ultimately a matter for the company concerned.

However, to address the broader issue raised by the Deputy, the matter of skills shortages in particular sectors is obviously a matter of concern for Government. In relation to the sector in which the company referred to by the Deputy operates – the ICT sector – these skills shortages are not unique to Ireland, but must be addressed. To this end, an ICT action plan is being developed across relevant government departments and agencies to identify clear action lines that will address the skills needs of the ICT sector. The lead on this initiative is being taken by my colleague, Mr Ruairí Quinn, T.D., Minister for Education and Skills. While it is positive that third level enrolments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines in Ireland have increased by some 30% since 2008, there will be a time lag before this increased demand from students will feed through into increased graduate output. Actions which are being taken in the short term to address the gap include the provision of over 1,400 places on Springboard ICT programmes, from which 550 people are due to graduate by next June with awards at honours degree or masters level.

The Higher Education Authority has also just issued a call for proposals seeking collaborative proposals from higher education providers and industry partners for the delivery in 2012 of a full time graduate conversion programme in programming.