Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
810. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has considered developing adult apprenticeships for child care to equip those returning to the workforce with the skills that might assist child care providers with the staff to address the acute child care shortage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28961/15]
View answerIn January 2015, the Apprenticeship Council formally invited proposals for new apprenticeship programmes from consortia of enterprise, professional bodies and education and training providers. 86 separate proposals were received by the deadline of end March. The Apprenticeship Council reported to me on the 30th June following its evaluation of proposals for new apprenticeships. No proposal was received to develop a new apprenticeship for childcare.
In relation to skills that might assist childcare providers, the Further Education and Training Services Plan 2015 sets out how the 16 Education and Training Boards will provide a wide range of courses in the early childhood education and childcare areas.
