Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 6

Written Answers. - Motor Apprenticeships.

Frank Crowley

Question:

188 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Education if she will support the designation of Davis College, Mallow, County Cork as a centre for stage four of the new apprenticeship system in relation to motor mechanics; and if she will ensure the provision of a new school building for this college. [3820/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The County Cork Vocational Education Committee has been providing in a very effective way day release courses for motor car engineering apprentices in its second level school, Davis College, in Mallow for many years.

Under the new "standards-based" apprenticeship system, which was developed under PESP and the Programme for a Partnership (PPG) Government 1993-97 and is being implemented on a phased basis, all day release courses will be discontinued and will be replaced by block release courses.

When the new system is fully operational and the additional day and block release courses are fully phased out, some regional technical colleges and vocational schools which have been involved in the delivery of day release motor apprentice programmes will no longer be required to be providers of such programmes. The management authorities of these colleges and schools, including that of Davis College, have been notified of this situation.

However as a result of representations made to me by the college management and members of the motor industry in the Mallow area, I have arranged that the situation will be kept under review in the light of recruitment patterns in the motor apprenticeship area.

A new replacement school building for Davis College is currently being planned. County Cork vocational education committee has submitted its proposed design team and a stage 1 report for the project. These documents are currently being examined by my Department's technical staff. A response will be conveyed to committee as soon as possible and a planning and briefing meeting will then be convened in order to advance the project.

At this stage, it is not possible to indicate when the project will proceed to construction as this will depend on the availability of funding and the Department's other commitments and priorities. However, every effort is being made to have the planning of the new school completed as soon as possible with a view to being in a position to invite tenders as soon as funding is available.