Chronic shortage of new chefs is threatening hospitality sector

THE Restaurants Association of Ireland has said the shortage of trained chefs has reached crisis point and they’re calling on the Government to take urgent action to address the situation.

In its pre budget submission the RAI said the shortage of trained chefs is threatening the success and recovery of the entire tourism and hospitality sector.

According to the RAI at least new 5,000 chefs a year will be required to meet the needs of the industry.

“The shortage of chefs throughout the country has reached crisis point, where it will even threaten the success of Tourism Industry Recovery,” said RAI CEO Adrian Cummins.

“There is not enough chef training centres. Currently 1800 chefs qualify each year from certified culinary training programmes. There is a deficit of 5000 chef trainees annually. The Restaurants Association of Ireland is calling for investment in training and the re-establishment of CERT, the former State Tourism Training Agency,” he said.

“CERT, the Former National Tourism Training Agency was established in 1963. It ceased to operate and was closed down in May 2003. The restaurant sector are calling for the immediate re-establishment of CERT, which the tourism and hospitality sector held in high esteem while it was operational. It was fit for purpose and serviced the industry with skilled labour during its operational years,” said Mr Cummins.

Among other measures the RAI is also calling on the Government to maintain the nine per cent VAT rate to ensure continued job growth in the industry.