Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Smith for his comments. The Chairman is correct that bogus self-employment is not the subject of today's discussion. Nevertheless, Mr. Smith hit the nail on the head in respect of apprenticeships and I will take his point on board.

Reading the submission from the Irish Hotels Federation, is it the case that it can take an eternity to develop an apprenticeship. What are the blockages? It seems obvious that action needs to be taken in this regard. The Irish Hotels Federation has engaged in advocacy for five years and is now working with various partners in this area. The same issue appears to arise in the construction industry where it also seems to take an eternity to develop apprenticeships. Is there a problem in the system? In the United Kingdom, apprenticeships are much more broadly based than in Ireland where we have very few apprenticeships. What is the problem? We hear on the grapevine that if efforts are made, especially in the construction industry, to develop a new apprenticeship or trade, vested interests will seek to block them. Will the witnesses from SOLAS comment? Is that a factor?

What action can be taken to broaden the apprenticeships system? I am impressed by the insurance apprenticeship because it offers a level 8 qualification, which is a degree. This should be the model for many more apprenticeships. If I was an employer who came up with an idea for an apprenticeship and was able to get an education partner on board, how long would it take to get the apprenticeship up and running? How long would it take to get someone employed or into training under that apprenticeship?

I thank Education and Training Boards Ireland. Mr. O'Brien established a college in Monaghan which is doing tremendous work. I will work with him to try to put a similar model in place in County Meath. If anyone from the Department of Education and Skills is listening, Dunboyne College of Further Education badly needs a vision to put more people into traineeships, provide more support for apprenticeships and become an educational partner in the further education and training sector.