Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
167 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the unacceptable delay for a certain category of apprentices in securing access to training colleges as part of their apprenticeships; the reasons for same; and if the necessary additional courses will be provided in September 2004 to deal with this backlog. [21118/04]
View answer168 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the delay experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in securing access to a training college to complete year two of their apprenticeship; and if a position will be made available for this person at an appropriate college for autumn 2004. [21119/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together as I understand that they both concern the trade of vehicle body repair.
My Department keeps the overall provision of apprentice places in the institutes of technology under ongoing review. Based on statistics provided by FÁS, I understand that the numbers of apprentices recruited to the trade of vehicle body repair was relatively constant during the years 1996 to 1998 but that a surge in recruitment occurred during the three-year period from 1999 to 2001. In 2002 and 2003 recruitment declined again to its former level and statistics available to date indicate a likely continued decline in numbers registering in this trade in 2004.
Apprentices in the vehicle body repair trade receive phases four and six of their apprenticeship training in the Dublin Institute of Technology, DIT. At the request of my Department DIT increased provision in this trade in the 2003-04 academic year in order to meet the increase in demand for training places arising from the surge in registrations outlined above. My Department is currently engaged in discussions with DIT with regard to the possibility of a further temporary increase in provision in the 2004-05 academic year with a view to eliminating the current backlog of apprentices awaiting training places.
As regards the case of the individual to whom the Deputy referred, the position is that the selection and scheduling of individual apprentices for release to particular block release courses is a matter for an Foras Áiseanna Saothair, FÁS. My Department has no role in the scheduling of apprentices and it would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment on such matters.
