asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the anger and resentment of the trade union movement and vocational education staff in Limerick at the proposal to transfer AnCO apprenticeship training courses from Limerick city VEC auspices to the Regional Technical College, Tralee, although these courses have been taught at Limerick VEC for over 30 years; if he will investigate the reason this transfer is proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Transfer of AnCO Training Courses.
181.
There is no proposal to transfer AnCO apprenticeship training courses from Limerick VEC.
In the course of an annual review of year off-the-job apprenticeship courses, AnCO decided to suspend the plasterers course in Limerick. This temporary suspension is due to the failure of employers to sponsor apprentice plasterers in recent years.
The overall demand for apprenticeship plasterers has diminished considerably since 1982. However, an increase in employer sponsorship would influence future reviews.