Mr. Dermot Doherty:

Speaking on behalf of the Irish Medical Devices Association, I believe the review is very welcome, specifically in that it is employer led. The medical devices sector in Ireland employs up to 25,000 people, which makes it, per capita, the biggest medical technology employer within Europe. In February of this year, we conducted a survey of our members. Over 80% stated they are interested in an apprenticeship in medical devices. At present, we are examining a proposal for a pilot apprenticeship at level VI in mechanical engineering. Contrary to what was outlined earlier, there is an option in this case to move from level VI to level VIII. At present, there is a two-year programme, with a one-year add-on for level VII, and obviously a one-year add-on for level VIII. As a sector, we really welcome this.