With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together. Educational release for apprentices was provided for in the AnCO proposals for a new apprenticeship scheme published in October 1975. These proposals had as their objective the provision of more effective training for apprentices both by way of formal instruction and on-the-job experience. After widespread discussion and consultation with the relevant interests, these proposals were adopted and the new apprenticeship scheme came into operation on 1 October 1976.
One of the provisions of that scheme was that apprentices would be released to the vocational education sector for formal instruction for at least one day per week during the academic year of 36 weeks or, alternatively, be provided with such formal instruction on block release for an equivalent period during the first three years of their apprenticeship. The question of the appropriate educational release for apprentices is now being reviewed by officers of the Department of Education, my Department and of AnCO.