asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that many vocational school pupils have found it impossible to attend school during the bus strike; and if he will have apprenticeship regulations amended where necessary to prevent such pupils being disqualified as apprentices by reason of absence from school during the withdrawal of public transport services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Apprenticeship Regulations.
7.
Mr. Ryan
I am not aware of the extent to which pupils of vocational schools may have found difficulty in attending classes during the recent bus strike but I appreciate that such difficulties may have arisen in some instances.
However, under the Apprenticeship Act of 1959, I have no function in relation to the fixing of educational qualifications for apprentices. This is a matter for An Cheard Chomhairle who also have power under the Act to grant exemptions from the educational requirements, in individual cases.