Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1644. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the number of skilled cooking staff available for the hospitality sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31908/15]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1645. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reinstate modular and industry based training for cooks and chefs in order to increase the rate at which staff are trained and to meet the hospitality sector demand for such skilled staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31909/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1644 and 1645 together.

The Government's Tourism Policy Statement, "People, Place and Policy - Growing Tourism to 2025" outlines policy objectives to strengthen the capacity of people working in the tourism sector. The new Tourism Leadership Group is preparing a detailed Action Plan to implement these policy proposals and will consider all matters relevant to ensuring that the industry has the requisite skills to  achieve our ambitious growth targets.

However, while training for the hospitality and catering sector is very relevant to the tourism industry, it is broader than tourism alone. The future development of training will be guided by the ongoing work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which operates under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and its detailed assessment of the skills requirements of the hospitality sector.  In this regard, a balance must be struck between direct enterprise support, entry level training and advanced/professional training.  SOLAS, employers, further and higher education providers - particularly the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) - and Fáilte Ireland all have complementary roles to play.  I understand that the report of the Expert Group is due to completed in early November.