Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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1402. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the proposed introduction of an employer Exchequer mechanism and associated increase in the national training fund levy on employers; if her Department has undertaken research or surveys on the effects of an increase in the employer contribution on businesses; and if her Department will make a submission to the consultation on this. [19214/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I am acutely aware of the central importance of the competitiveness of our education and training systems to sustainable job creation, productivity growth and success in international trade. I also recognise that the current funding environment, in addition to the impending demographic bulge, demonstrates that there is a clear need for increased investment in the education and training sector from all three sources, exchequer, students and employers, if we are to have a system that is internationally competitive in the future. I am consulting with relevant stakeholders and will be engaging with my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills in due course.