Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand why it is not always easy to predict the figures for some of the demand-led costs, for example superannuation and retirements although I would share Deputy Byrne's concern at the numbers of teachers who are retiring. Obviously there is an issue about supply.

May I address the savings rather than the extra expenditure? I am concerned about the saving in the national training fund and the explanation that has been given for the savings of €7 million on the apprenticeship programmes where some additional off-the-job provision on existing programmes and the introduction of some new apprenticeships was slower than expected. I wish to express real concern about that. I am sure the departmental officials and the Minister are also concerned because clearly there is a commitment to expanding the type of apprenticeships that are available. There is a dire need for more apprentices in the trades areas because of the need for more houses to be built.

I am sure there are young people who would be willing to take up a trade and become apprentices but are there difficulties in finding sponsors in the trades who will take on the apprentice? Is that the issue? Why is there a saving in this area? I welcome the roll-out of the new apprenticeships that have been coming on stream. There is a strong commitment to this particular area of policy which applied previously and now but I would be concerned about obstacles and delays in this field. That is the main issue I wanted to raise.