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

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones or switch them to flight mode because, as we know, mobile phones interfere with the sound system and makes it very difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television coverage and web streaming can also be adversely affected.

We have reached item No. 8 on our agenda, which is engagement with the stakeholders on recent development in apprenticeships and efforts to increase their uptake including the role of guidance counsellors in promoting apprenticeships as a viable route to further education and training in schools. We have had a number of engagements on apprenticeships over the number of years since the committee came into session. As a committee, we feel that apprenticeships and skills can provide a valuable career path for young people. SOLAS has been at the forefront of that engagement.

We had some of the 17 Irish participants from the WorldSkills competition before the committee last month and we were enthused by the young people who were representing Ireland. It is very notable that they came tenth in the world and won four gold medals and a very high number of commendations. It was of concern to the committee that, in speaking to the young people about the roads that they took in consideration of apprenticeships and skills, apprenticeships were lacking a parity of esteem with third level universities and colleges. This is something we had come across before so we thought it was important to look at that, have a discussion and see how, as a committee, we can help and what recommendations we can make to the Minister to ensure that apprenticeships and skills are taken seriously.

I know that Senator Ruane has left to speak in the Seanad so I was given apologies on her behalf.