Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Chambers. At this point, we have had a phenomenal exchange of views. I thank the witnesses for their clear and concise articulation of the problems. We all had an understanding that there were issues but hearing it clearly and concisely, with backup examples, is certainly extremely useful from this committee's perspective.

I thank CARE for its six recommendations. Hopefully, we will see some progress because I believe there is unanimity in the view that this needs to be dealt with. The whole idea of unpaid apprenticeships should really be a thing of the past. That should be the case across the working community, not just in the witnesses' profession. Unfortunately, it is also happening in many other professions and it needs to come to an end. Again, I thank CARE for its six recommendations and the meeting and support it provided.

The work our friends from Beat 102-103 are doing is phenomenal in reaching out to and engaging with young people. They are using the media young people are using to try to get an understanding and take ownership of their issues and to support and listen to them. People have two ears and one mouth and it is good when they are used accordingly. Certainly, Beat 102-103 is doing that. I wish it every success in the work it will do and thank it very much.

This brings to an end this engagement. As I said earlier, this committee will be drafting a report, which we hope will equip us in lobbying Government but, more important, inform Government. Hopefully, we will see Government take action. Funding is required and many step changes are needed. We have seen some improvements but we are certainly nowhere near where we would like to be by international norms.

I again thank witnesses for their time and contributions. I thank members for their questions and engagement. I thank Ms Iqra ZainulAbedin, our committee clerk, for her dedication and support. I also thank our broadcasting unit and technical people. Holding meetings like this, where people are dialling in from other locations, is not easy. A great job of work is being done here in the Oireachtas. I would like to pass on all our acknowledgment of that.