asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that in this country at present there is a scarcity of certain types of skilled workers; and if he will take steps to ensure that this fact is made known to people now living and employed outside this country who may be anxious to return and accept employment here.

The functions of the employment service are to place persons registered for employment in touch with employers requiring their services. If persons resident abroad register with my Department for employment here they will be notified of any suitable vacancies which cannot be filled locally.

My Department has no facilities for contacting persons living abroad other than those available to employers generally.