Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will get the Deputy more comprehensive note because I wonder if the parliamentary questions are just referring to PLCs specifically and were probably missing the mapping out in that answer with regard to traineeships, apprenticeships and tertiary degree programmes which could be available between the ETB and the technological universities. I would be very happy to ask the ETB to brief the Deputy directly but I would also be happy to get the Deputy a more comprehensive note on fresh provision in Longford-Westmeath because it was chosen. To be fair to it, as the Deputy is also, the ETB put in a very compelling case as to why the Deputy's constituency, and Mullingar specifically, should be the national home of the centre of excellence for EV training. Its logic was that there could be a mechanic with a skill set need - I believe last year more people bought new electric vehicles than petrol or diesel cars. With regard to the upskilling and reskilling agenda, there is very significant and acute need. Mullingar will host that new centre. I was in Mullingar - I cannot remember which month - towards the end of last year to make that announcement. I would be very happy to ask the CEO of the ETB to brief the Deputy.