Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With regard to apprenticeships in the wet trades and electrical areas, I have always been of the view that there must be pathways out of the traditional areas where we have men up on scaffolding at 55 or 60 years of age. It is not an attractive outcome for any young person making a career choice if there is no further enhancement and development of their skill sets available to allow them to move away from physical roles in later life. This is evident in the construction industry, particularly when there is a downturn in the economy. Many people, particularly men, are physically beaten up after a tough time on the sites but apart from their trade, they have no other skill sets. This is primarily true of the wet trades but it is also true of other areas, such as agriculture, that take a heavy toll on the body. Engineers are one thing because they are mobile and if there is a skills shortage, we may be able to recruit engineers outside the country. We want to enhance and expand our capacity in terms of infrastructural development, housing, roads, sewers and childcare facilities. In terms of our indigenous population and those who come from outside apprenticeship areas, where does Dr. Rigney see us being able to advance and enhance apprenticeship courses to allow people to continue with some form of training as the years progress? Where will they be able to fit into the construction industry other than on the scaffolding or the building site? Does Dr. Rigney understand my concept?