asked the Minister for Labour the percentage of registered apprentices who are female; if any measures are planned to increase the number of female apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Registered Apprentices.
26.
Female apprentices account for 0.84 per cent of registered apprentices.
At my request FÁS introduced in 1987 a system of reserved places for female participants. The take up of these places has been disappointing. On the other hand, female participation in training programmes generally has increased from 11 per cent in 1975 to 33 per cent in 1987.
I have asked employers' and workers' organisations to promote equality in traditional skills areas and through the FÁS Industrial Training Committees employers are being encouraged to sponsor female apprentices. The FÁS Apprenticeship Review Committee will also consider how female apprentice numbers can be increased.
I have asked FÁS to prepare for my approval a plan for a positive action programme to ensure equality of access to, and participation in, its programmes as well as in the labour market generally.
FÁS have also developed a number of special programmes for women in non-traditional areas, e.g. women into electronics and women into new technology. These have proved very successful and I am hopeful that they will facilitate women in taking full part in the employment potential of these areas.
I am hopeful that all of these measures will show positive results.