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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 May 1989

Vol. 389 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recruiting and Training of Apprentices.

5.

asked the Minister for Labour if he will agree to a major policy departure in relation to the number of apprentices in training; if he accepts the need to rapidly increase the number of apprentices in most categories in order that, even if emigration is unavoidable, more of our young emigrants depart with skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Primary responsibility for the recruitment and training of apprentices rests with employers. It has, however, been the practice for FÁS to sponsor a number of apprentices to meet any shortfall due to unexpected increased demand for skilled persons from existing or new employers.

At my request, FÁS are undertaking a review of the current system of apprenticeship with a view to making the system more flexible and ensuring that the future needs of industry are met. The review was also prompted by the very sizeable funds directed to apprentice training from the FÁS budget.

The question of further increasing the number of apprentices will be considered in the light of the outcome of the review.

The board of FÁS have not yet completed their review, but I look forward to receiving it in the near future. The recommendations will be considered in consultation with interested parties.

On a point of order, I wish to draw the Chair's attention to the fact that time for priority questions has now lapsed.

The Chair takes careful note of that and feels that there is little time left. I am very conscious of the matter.

I do not wish to dispute the matter with the Chair.

I am grateful for your bringing it to my notice, but I would not wish to shortchange my colleagues, either.

I do so reluctantly. I am entirely opposed to the taking of priority questions at the beginning of Question Time.

The Minister said that the review would be completed shortly. Would he indicate to the House whether he would accept the principle of the need for sharply increasing the number of apprentices in training, even if at this moment it does not seem likely that there will be places for them at home? Would he accept that if, unfortunately, some of our young people have to go abroad it would be better for them to go abroad skilled rather than unskilled?

I agree fully with the Deputy. I am being careful not to interfere with the review, but already some questions relating to it have appeared in the papers and some organisations have become hyperactive about the review. I have not seen the conclusions. I hope during consultations, when I have received the final documents, to work to try to get more people through. The present system is not delivering on the numbers we should be putting through.

Question No. 6.

Could I ask——

I am sorry. I have called Question No. 6.

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