Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is amazing and I am sure Mr. English would agree with me that if it was anything else, the winner would be carried shoulder-high into the school, whether as a present or former pupil. That shows the mentality towards apprenticeships and what people think of them. They do not get the recognition they duly deserve. If Mr. McLoughlin is successful, he will be earning a lot more money than a lot of people who go through third level education. We frown on apprenticeships but we depend on these people. I have no doubt that the guidance counsellor in any school, who does not encourage apprenticeships, will still be looking for the plumber, the plasterer or the electrician in ten years' time to build a house or do repairs or whatever the story is.