Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Aylward for his presentation. He clearly has a wide range of experience to bring to the role. His presentation was very impressive with regard to the wide range of opportunities in the further education and training sector. The sector is now moving in a dynamic way, having gone through considerable changes in recent years. It has been an adjustment for many people working in the sector. From my own experience, I believe they have responded very well. If we are still here as a committee, we look forward to engaging with the strategy for 2020 to 2024.

I have great interest in the area of apprenticeships, having been involved in setting up the council. I understand the heavy goods vehicle course to which Mr. Aylward referred is an apprenticeship programme. I may be wrong. Perhaps Mr. Aylward will clarify. A wide range of new apprenticeships are being established. Is that likely to continue? Is there a continuum of new programmes that are likely to come on stream? Obviously, we also want to see an increase in the numbers taking up traditional construction apprenticeships because these skills will be needed for the economy.

That brings me to an issue with regard to SOLAS's role. Mr. Aylward talked about the importance of everybody having the opportunity to develop their full potential, but SOLAS also has a role with regard to identifying skills that will be required in the economy in the future and matching those with individuals coming through training for the first time or returning to educational opportunities at different stages in their lives. I have just one question in that area. Mr. Aylward talked about flexibility. It is certainly a very flexible section. Obviously, we now have very high levels of employment in Ireland in percentage terms, but many of those who are at work are not highly skilled or qualified and they are often low-paid for that reason. I want to ask Mr. Aylward specifically about the opportunities for people to increase their level of skills or qualifications while holding down a job, which most people must do to survive. That is an area in which the further education and training sector can really play a positive role. I again thank Mr. Aylward for his presentation and I wish him luck.