Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will come in now as I have a couple of questions to put to Mr. McDonnell. In respect of college, apprentices depend greatly on the small and medium-sized businesses through which to do their apprenticeships. Quite a number of businesses may not take on apprentices but what changes - and I appreciate that he has mentioned some of these in reply to Deputy Jim O’Callaghan - are needed and perhaps required to make it more attractive for businesses to take on apprenticeships and to promote them? As he will know, the Government has made apprenticeships and colleges a priority over the past 12 to 18 months because it sees the challenge that lies ahead in filling vacancies in different companies. If Mr. McDonnell was to have the Minister’s ear - and the committee will make recommendations in this regard - what are the recommendations he believes, coming from his sector and listening to his clients, should be put in place to make it more attractive?