Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. As they will have seen from the contributions of members, there is huge interest in and support for apprenticeships. We want them to succeed. The Minister spoke in the Chamber this morning about apprenticeships and the €40 million gap. He said that no courses will be cancelled, so the witnesses can take that message home in their pockets. Classes will not be cancelled and we will have full enrolment in apprenticeships, which are a big deal for the Government and this committee. They are about future-proofing the workforce and the economy.

The great thing about apprenticeships is that they are adaptable and dynamic and can be created to suit something specific. I attended an incredible Skillnet event in Drogheda this morning which showcased how to create courses to adapt to the idea of 3D printed houses.

We have so much to offer and so much more we can do. The ETBs and SOLAS have the support of this committee. I thank the witnesses for their engagement and time and the answers they gave.

I propose that the committee suspend briefly to allow the witnesses to leave. We will then resume in private session to deal with housekeeping matters. Is that agreed? Agreed.