I established the Apprenticeship Council initially on a non-statutory basis last year. I considered that, as it was necessary to have a broad range of trade unions represented, it was appropriate to ask ICTU (Irish Congress of Trade Unions) to nominate two representatives for appointment to the Council. They have since done so and the membership of the Council has been finalised.
I appreciate the ongoing interest and involvement of the TUI in apprenticeships and would welcome its continuing input, including through communication with the Apprenticeship Council, to the development of this important aspect of the Further Education and Training sector.