Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
842. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the apprenticeship council will be established; her plans for reform of apprenticeship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41429/14]
View answerAs part of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs initiative my Department managed a comprehensive review of the Irish Apprenticeship system to determine whether the current model should be retained, adapted or replaced. The review was tasked with taking into account the needs of both learners and industry and to ensure that we have a value for money system that is cost effective and sustainable into the future. An independent Review Group undertook a substantial consultation process with all major stakeholders as well as inviting submissions from members of the public. Following its analysis of the current system and the submissions received, the report of the Independent Review Group made a number of recommendations regarding a new structure for Apprenticeship, which is envisaged as being relevant to a much wider group of enterprise sectors. Recommendations were also made in relation to current apprenticeships. Following on from the review, an Apprenticeship Implementation Plan was published on the 30th June 2014. This is available on my Departments website, www.education.ie. I will shortly be announcing details of the membership of the Council. The Council will be enterprise led and will have representatives from business, trade unions, and further and higher education bodies. The first job of work of the new Apprenticeship Council will be to manage a call for proposals from industry for new apprenticeships. This call for proposals is expected to be made before the end of 2014.
