Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - FÁS Training Programmes.

David Stanton

Ceist:

58 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself with the operation of FÁS apprenticeship schemes particularly in relation to the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25132/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

FÁS is the body statutorily responsible for the organisation and regulation of apprenticeship in the designated trades. FÁS is also involved, in partnership with the education sector, in the delivery of the off-the-job training phases of the apprenticeship system. I am satisfied with the role played by FÁS in these regards.

The buoyant state of the Irish economy has resulted in record intakes of apprentices in recent years. As might be expected given the level of infrastructural investment associated with economic growth, there has been particularly strong demand for apprentices in construction related trades. This, combined with the unavoidable lead-time in scaling up training delivery to meet the new demand, has led to delays in calling appren tices to their off-the-job courses in some trades including construction.

In response, significant extra apprenticeship training capacity has already been provided through FÁS and the education system. The institutions responsible are currently assessing whether additional measures can be pursued to address the training supply issues arising from the current levels of demand for apprenticeship training.

The situation is being closely monitored by the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee which was established by the board of FÁS to advise on all issues in relation to apprenticeship and is representative of the social partners and the training providers.