A study examined attitudes of Irish employers toward vocational training (VT) activities, state agencies responsible for administering VT, and the skills that employees would need in the future. Of a sample of 500 firms that were selected as being representative from the standpoints of size, sector, location, and form of ownership, 219 were visited and 210 completed questionnaires. Those 210 companies employed a total of 15,774 individuals throughout Ireland, with 73% employing fewer than 50 individuals. Of the employers surveyed, 73% had no training budget, 44% had a training plan, and only 31% of those with a training plan had a formal appraisal system. The most commonly offered types of training were as follows: quality training (38%); safety training (37%); new technology (48%); informal training delivered by more experienced employees (35%); and specific skills training (38%). Of the training conducted in firms, 25% was designed/delivered internally and 22% was designed/delivered by consultants. Although most employers indicated a desire for links with education, constructive linkage between education establishments and employers was found to be significantly lacking. (Contains 26 tables/figures. The interview questionnaires and employer survey are appended.) (MN)