Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

With regard to getting people back to work after their having being cleared, does the service tap into the apprenticeship concept? We have a big problem in the State owing to the lack of apprenticeship schemes. In the construction sector, for example, there used to be a great apprenticeship system years ago but it is now gone. Has the Probation Service examined this area? It can be difficult for somebody with no work culture or work experience to get work. The apprenticeship scheme was good because an apprentice did not cost the employer too much. The employer was not losing too much money on the apprentice. It was a great opportunity for the individual to learn. From where should the initiative come on apprenticeship schemes? The State probably has a role to play. That there are no apprenticeship schemes now is a big problem. We should be considering reinstating them. Services such as the Probation Service could make great use of them.