asked the Minister for Defence if he has received representations from the Cobh vocational schools in respect of the admission of civilian apprentices to Haulbowline naval dockyard; and whether his Department has yet reached any decision on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Haulbowline Dockyard: Civilian Apprentices.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I regret that it has not yet been found possible to reach a decision.
Is the Minister aware that I have received that reply from different Ministers for Defence on different occasions in this House in the course of the past seven years? Is the Minister not aware that this is a matter of grave importance to the people of Cobh and that if the recommendations of the Cobh Vocational Schools in respect of the admission of civilian apprentices to Haulbowline Naval Dockyard had been carried out seven years ago we would not now have to look for foreign technicians for the oil refinery? Does it take the Department of Defence seven years to make up their minds as to whether or not they will take in a few apprentices?
There are a lot of difficulties in the way and it has not been possible to reach a decision yet.
The Minister is only laughing at us.
You have all the answers. I wish to give notice that with the permission of the Chair, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment tonight.