I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 13, 29, 34 and 58 together.
Under the new apprenticeship system agreed in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, and contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997, responsibility for recruitment of apprentices will rest with employers, subject to agreed minimum educational standards being achieved by the potential apprentice.
The National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee of FÁS are currently addressing the issue of special provision for entry to apprenticeships for women. One of the key aims of the new apprenticeships system as agreed within the Programme for Economic and Social Progress is to increase the number of apprentices in the currently designated trades and that in addition further trades should be designated for apprenticeship thereby increasing the numbers further.
FÁS have advised that a 10 per cent target of all apprenticeships to be taken up by women is unlikely to be achieved in the short-term within the current range of designated occupations.
I would like to assure the Deputies that I will be making it a priority within my area of responsibility to increase the number of apprenticeships which are taken up by women.