Vol. 436 No. 4
122 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of bursaries awarded to employers who recruit women apprentices in the motor construction, printing and engineering industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am very conscious of the need to increase the level of participation of women in apprenticeship and I have encouraged FÁS to promote the entry of women into apprenticeship.
Since 1990 FÁS has offered a bursary to employers who recruit women apprentices. A revised bursary scheme came into operation in September of this year and is available to employers in the principal craft sectors of industry i.e. motor, mechanical and electrical engineering, construction and printing and paper who recruit female apprentices under the new apprenticeship system in the currently designated trades. Each eligible employer will receive a total grant of £2,400 per female apprentice.
The actual number of bursaries awarded by sector is a day-to-day matter for FÁS.
