asked the Minister for Labour if it is his intention to expand the AnCO training centre on the industrial estate at Gweedore, County Donegal in order to cater for the increased numbers of Gaeltacht apprentices who apply for training.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gweedore (Co. Donegal) Training Centre.
11.
The number of first-year apprentice training places available at the AnCO Gweedore Training Centre is determined by the number of apprentices sponsored by industry and the placement prospects which exist to allow for completion of apprenticeships.
AnCO consider, having regard to those criteria, that the number of first-year apprentice training places currently provided, is adequate. I will keep the situation under review and make any adaptations that may be necessary in the light of changing circumstances.
Has the Minister to hand the number of apprentices at present undergoing training at the training centre in Gweedore?
There are 41 apprentices — 36 first-year, five redundant, in Gweedore centre at present, of which 15 first-years and five redundant apprentices are from the Gaeltacht. Would the Deputy like any further breakdown?
Could the Minister tell us what percentage increase there has been in Gaeltacht apprentices since this special course for them commenced in the Gweedore Centre.
I do not seem to have that information.
Perhaps the Minister would let me have the information later. Have AnCO, or the people in charge of the Gweedore Centre, had to refuse any Gaeltacht apprentices?
AnCO's five-year expansion programme visualises the number of training places in Gweedore being reduced to 48 from 88 by 1985. The implementation of this cutback will depend on the demands for training made by Gaeltacht people. However, the number of Gaeltacht apprentices catered for at the centre is expected to increase by 24, depending on sponsorship from firms. That seems to be all the definite information I have on it.
Could the Minister find out from the AnCO authorities if they have had to refuse Gaeltacht apprentices because my information is that they have had to.