Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not use my full allocation of time. The application for TU designation from Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology is very positive and will provide opportunities for people in apprenticeships and PhDs, which have been underserved, so I wholeheartedly welcome that. I know the Minister outlined that an assessment process is ongoing and a panel is in place for that but what further steps need to be taken? Is this process on track for September 2021 or will it be later?

My next question relates to apprenticeships. Are we on target annually for creating apprenticeships? This is something I support fully. We have lagged behind for too long when it comes to apprenticeships.