asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement concerning the report on manpower policy prepared by the National Economic and Social Council which indicates that there is evidence of shortages of skilled workers and that if this trend continues over the next few years such shortages would threaten future economic expansion.

The comments of the NESC on the OECD Report on Manpower Policy in Ireland were requested by me in October, 1974. Regarding their comments on skill shortages the discussions initiated by AnCO relating to the proposals for reforms of apprenticeships have been concluded and it is anticipated that firm decisions about the new apprenticeship arrangements will be announced in the near future. Furthermore, the direct training facilities of AnCO are being rapidly expanded and they expect to train 7,000 adults and apprentices in 1975.

A working party representative of the NMS, AnCO, IDA and employer and worker organisations has been meeting regularly since September, 1974, and has been assembling information to assess the skilled shortage situation.