asked the Minister for Education whether it is certain that adequate vocational school facilities will be available for day-release and block-release courses for apprentices required by the National Apprenticeship Board when the Apprenticeship Act, 1959, comes fully into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Courses for Apprentices.
96.
A committee has been established, representative of my Department and An Cheard-Chomhairle, to examine the extent to which existing vocational school facilities are sufficient to cater for apprenticeship training in the various trades which may be designated from time to time by An Cheard Chomhairle, and to advise as to what additional facilities may be needed. In the circumstances I am satisfied that the work of An Cheard-Chomhairle will not be delayed or restricted because of inadequate accommodation in the schools.
Is the Minister aware that there is insufficient accommodation at the moment in Dublin for people attending vocational schools and, having regard to the fact that the Apprenticeship Act will come into full operation, in what manner does he propose to meet the eventuality that people will be seeking accommodation in vocational schools?
From the reports of the Committee so far, the expansion already envisaged by my Department would seem to be adequate to meet probable expansion in requirements.
Obviously it is news to the Minister. Is he not aware that representations have been made to the Dublin Vocational Education Committee for provision of accommodation for people inside and outside Dublin and that quite recently they had to reply that they have not got the accommodation?
I did not say the present facilities—I said the present and proposed facilities are thought by this Committee to be adequate.
It will take more than a few months to build the number of vocational schools necessary to meet requirements under the Apprenticeship Act.
The Deputy will understand that facilities are proposed and will be provided. They have to be built. They cannot be willed into existence.
They will have to be built. Surely arrangements should have been made to run simultaneously with the putting into operation of the Act.
That would not have been possible.