Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 March 2014
67. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the establishment of the apprenticeship council; the proposed role and function of the council; the date on which he expects to appoint a chairperson and sectoral sub-committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11208/14]
View answerThe Apprenticeship Review Group's comprehensive report was submitted to my Department in December 2013. The report and its recommendations, which include the establishment of an Apprenticeship Council, are being progressed through engagement between my Department with stakeholders, including relevant Government Departments, agencies and representative groups.
The report suggested that the main functions of the Apprenticeship Council would be "to advise on the design, duration, entry levels, and ongoing provision of apprenticeships in line with national needs, ensuring optimum quality, efficiency and effectiveness. The Council will advise on the introduction of apprenticeships in new occupations, supported by evidence of sustainable demand, and promote progression pathways. It will advise on numbers of apprenticeship places to be provided in various occupations based on sound labour market intelligence and manpower forecasting, and carry out research, evaluation and data gathering necessary to inform the national programme. The Council will also be responsible for advising on a strategy to assist in providing alternative placements in the event of apprentices being made redundant during training."
While I am supportive of the broad recommendations outlined in the review group's report, I wish to see the outcome of discussions with stakeholders on implementation arrangements before moving towards putting in place any new governance framework for the apprenticeship system.
