Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have questions about apprenticeships. I welcome Dr. Rigney's comments on recognising drop-out rates at third level in the context of where people are taking courses, for which they are probably not suited, and that an apprenticeship should be considered as a valuable route in terms of people's work prospects. Would he consider putting in place a Central Applications Office, CAO, type application process for apprenticeships? In the past a person seeking an apprenticeship had to know somebody to get one, or apprenticeships were not advertised. What involvement have the trade unions had to date in the development of apprenticeships? Does Dr. Rigney consider they have been sufficiently involved?