Vol. 518 No. 3
87 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if FÁS will facilitate a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who wishes to pursue an apprenticeship in plastering; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the only course provided in this regard is in Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11668/00]
I have had inquiries made with FÁS regarding the facts of the case and I understand that while the applicant completed the junior certificate, he failed to reach the specified level of attainment required to enter into apprenticeship. FÁS conducts pre-apprenticeship training for individuals who do not meet the minimum educational requirements. Successful completion of this training offers an alternative route to apprenticeship for individuals who cannot meet the academic entry standards.
As regards availability of apprenticeship training in plastering, this is not confined to Galway but is also provided in Waterford, Cork, Tralee and Dublin.
