Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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641. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a report (details supplied) which states that up to 80,000 additional construction workers are required up to 2020; the measures her Department is taking in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1643/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I am aware of the challenges that we face in meeting the demand for construction workers. My Department works in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills in developing the policies and interventions to address the skills needs of the economy but primary policy responsibility for this area rests with the Department of Education and Skills. For its part, my Department has consistently shown its commitment to meeting the requirements of the sector through our regular focus on construction needs in the Action Plan for Jobs.

The Department of Education and Skills have developed a number of apprenticeship and traineeship programmes spanning a wide range of both skills and sectors. They are developed in response to identified needs in the economy. In relation to the construction industry, two new apprenticeships have been approved for development this year in the areas of quantity surveying and scaffolding. The addition of these new apprenticeships will add to the suite of construction apprenticeships already in existence in the areas of brick and stonelaying; carpentry and joinery; painting and decorating; plastering; plumbing; stonecutting and stonemasonry; and wood manufacturing and finishing.

Springboard also provides courses to allow those both in the labour market and on the live register to upskill in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. All Springboard courses lead to qualifications in enterprise sectors which are growing and need skilled personnel. As a result of the current and future demand for construction jobs in the economy, Springboard offers courses including a MSc in Quantity Surveying and Postgraduate certificates in BIM technologies. A call for further proposals for Springboard 2018 is scheduled to be issued by the HEA in January 2018.