Vol. 409 No. 5
98 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of commercial sponsors is preventing many applicants for FÁS apprenticeship courses from taking their places on these courses; and the steps he intends taking to redress this problem.
I recently indicated in the Dáil that I am aware of the difficulties that can arise in the present apprenticeship system regarding employer sponsorship.
The proposed new apprenticeship system is intended to encourage more employers to sponsor apprenticeships. There will be the added incentive of revised funding arrangements which are currently being worked out under the auspices of the Central Review Committee for the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
