Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think the short answer is "Yes". We have a responsibility to build it up within our own sector as well. I am very struck by Dr. O'Connor's comments, which are hugely valid and probably broaden the discussion. If we talk about everything to do with 16- and 17-year-olds as being what happens within the school, we limit our options quite frankly.

This is because schools can only do so much within the number of hours each day. We will build up our own guidance supports as well, with guidance in the community, and guidance that will be made available to students and the population about information about apprenticeships. The short answer is "Yes". We need to support guidance. Guidance counsellors are being asked to do a huge amount. It is an ever more complex role for a whole variety of reasons, academic and otherwise. "Yes" is the short answer.