asked the Minister for Labour the extent to which trade apprentices have been made redundant by the fuel crisis and trade recession.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant Apprentices.
13.
On the basis of information available to the National Manpower Service, 41 apprentices became redundant during the recent fuel crisis. Eleven of these since have become re-employed or are in training.
What has happened to the balance? What action is being taken about them?
Outside the number of 41 notified?
Outside the 11.
Efforts are continuing to re-employ most of the people who were declared redundant and whose vacancies were notified. Thirty of them were heating fitter-plumber apprentices and as the Deputy is no doubt aware there is a recession in that trade at the moment because of the international fuel situation.
What will happen to these people if they go over the age? Are there provisions to permit them to have another year at the centre?
We will make all efforts to re-employ them through the National Manpower Service. I have no doubt that in a matter of weeks the remainder will be re-employed. There are difficulties in that particular trade.
Is there a danger that in the coming year there will be a lower in take of apprentices, particularly in that trade, and what steps are the Department taking to ensure that the number of apprentices available will be accommodated to the same extent as last year?
The position is not too discouraging. Employment is up this year and the demand for skilled work people will continue. Our training plans envisage a four-fold increase in the number of training places available in the next few years. The economy will continue to need skilled craftsmen and more apprentices.
Is the Minister saying that the intake of apprentices in the various trades this year will increase substantially over last year?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that the problem about apprentices is the subject of review. We have published a document and we are discussing the position with the trade unions. We are in consultation with the unions and the employers to ensure that more apprentices will be available each year. There are difficulties.
The Minister has not answered my question. I am asking about the intake of apprentices this year—does the Minister expect there will be a greater intake——
I expect so.