Ms Caitríona Murphy:

To add to that, with regard to phase 2 and ETB locations, apprentices spend 22 weeks with the instructor working on practice and theory. The protocols around access to that assessment, including how many papers go in and how many come out, are very tight in the ETB training centres. Obviously, things can happen but there is a lot of protocol around the security of assessments.

One of the most important things about the apprenticeship system in Ireland is its reputation and its quality. Deputy Connolly brought up the question of the next action plan but we did not quite get to it. This action plan is very important for the reputation of the apprenticeship system. People have brought up payments and other things. There are authorised officers employed by ETBs to register the apprentices and the employers and to watch how things are going the whole way through. If apprentices need access to their authorised officer because there is a problem, that facility is in place. It is not exactly what the Deputy was talking about in terms of scale but it is very important. It is very important to mention that role in the new action plan. In addition, the plan will also address quality assurance and the future quality assurance framework to ensure the reputation is maintained and is as good as it was.

The other important issue the Deputy raised in respect of the new action plan is the presence of a sustainable funding model to make sure the reputation, the quality and everything else are right. We have an issue this year, which Mr. Brownlee mentioned and Dr. Collins spoke about in his statement. We are hopeful that it will all be rectified. As Mr. Brownlee has said, over the coming weeks, we will be working with SOLAS and the individual ETBs in respect of phase 2 payments to get people through and ensuring that the increases that have been confirmed for phases 4 and 6 will come in a timely manner. This is in addition to the other work that is going on.