asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in Cobh at the refusal of the Department of Defence to appoint trade apprentices from the local vocational education school to the Naval Repair Depôt at Haulbowline and, further, if he is aware that by granting the request a new outlet would be opened up for the students of the vocational schools who are anxious to serve in the various departmental workshops at Haulbowline; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
Questions— Written Answers. - Appointment of Apprentices to Naval Repair Depôt.
It may be possible that there is local dissatisfaction caused by the refusal to appoint trade apprentices from Cobh Vocational Education School to the naval dockyard at Haulbowline.
I have had the question of the employment of apprentices in the naval dockyard carefully examined but I regret that the request for the institution of an apprenticeship scheme is one which cannot be favourably considered.