Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to apprenticeships. Deputy O'Sullivan is right. I have been involved in the building industry. Unfortunately, there is a lack of tradesmen.

This includes chefs and others across the board. I was recently speaking to a hotelier and was told that it is difficult in restaurants, hotels and various other places to get qualified chefs and that is another issue related to apprenticeships. Deputy O'Sullivan is quite right. I have spoken to builders who are preparing to start schemes of social and private houses and do not have the personnel to start or complete some of the necessary work. It is vitally important that there is more emphasis on apprenticeships going forward and that we provide whatever incentives we can to people to take up apprenticeships and ensure that employers are anxious to take on apprentices.