asked the Minister for Labour the number of apprentices registered in the State at present; and the number of apprentices who on completion of their apprenticeship in 1981 became unemployed.
Written Answers. - Apprentice Numbers.
434.
The number of apprentices registered with AnCO on 28 February 1982 was 19,411. This is the latest figure available.
When an apprenticeship contract terminates on the completion of the statutory period of apprenticeship, there is no subsequent obligation on the part of the employer to retain the apprentice in employment or on the part of the apprentice to remain in the employment of the employer. Neither is required to notify AnCO or the National Manpower Service of the situation. Accordingly, there is no comprehensive information available as to the employment situation of people who completed their apprenticeships in 1981. The National Manpower Service estimates that approximately 350 of the skilled persons on their register registered with them following completion of apprenticeships last year. The NMS are doing everything possible to help these craftsmen secure employment.