Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Donohoe. I now move to Dr. Smyth, who is the head of Shannon College of Hotel Management. Shannon College does not operate apprenticeships per se but I know from experience it operates placements successfully as part of its working programmes. While the committee is examining apprenticeships, it is interested in all forms of training, particularly on-the-job training. We felt it was important to have the opportunity to talk to Dr. Smyth, especially with the challenges facing the hospitality sector and given that the college is involved in WorldSkills. We had a presentation from the young people who represented Ireland last year and we were all impressed with them. It is definitely something that we want to pursue and support.