Since taking office, the Minister for Education and Science, Micheal Martin, has focused much attention on the supply of qualified persons to the Irish economy - including, in particular, technicians in key skill areas.

The ministerial initiatives range from the promotion of technology and information technology in second-level schools, through additional support for relevant PLC courses and new schemes of technician education, to increasing relevant graduate output and providing additional funding for research and development.

The £250 million Education Technology Investment Fund includes £60 million to address areas of key skill shortages. At least £120 million of this fund will be spent in the Institutes of Technology, where Ireland's technicians and higher technicians are educated, to improve significantly the institute's buildings, equipment and facilities.

The Minister has, on a number of occasions, given encouragement to school-leavers - and their parents - to give careful consideration to diploma and certificate courses in areas of strong employment and career opportunities. He has also offered strong encouragement to non-standard applicants - i.e. persons other than immediate school-leavers - to avail of technician courses to enhance their career prospects.

In July 1997, the Minister established a task force - drawn from industry, the institutes and the State development agencies - to look into the supply of technicians, to promote technician courses and publicise their career potential.

The broad electronics industry in Ireland offers opportunities for technicians and higher technicians in areas such as electronics, mechanical and production engineering, instrumentation and computing.

In a technology-based economy, a higher technical qualification can be a passport to success.