Vol. 526 No. 4
146 Mr. McGahon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to support manufacturing industry to up-skill employees within this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26646/00]
Enterprise Ireland has been given responsibility for human resource development and upskilling within the indigenous manufacturing sector. That responsibility is exercised within the context of the overall business development model covering all aspects of business performance. Enterprise Ireland is providing assistance to client companies to iden tify their training needs as part of an overall development plan. Where relevant, training grants are provided to assist companies meet identified needs. Shannon Development provides similar assistance within its area of responsibility. In addition, the county enterprise boards provide financial support for management development training in small companies with up to ten employees. Training grants are also provided by IDA Ireland to support training in foreign owned companies. The skillnets initiative is supporting training networks in both manufacturing and services. Financial support is provided to the networks to identify and address shared training needs.
In addition, the taskforce on lifelong learning is examining the issue of workplace learning with a view to identifying what potential exists to increase learning and upskilling opportunities for workers. The taskforce will report early next year.
