Ms Bridget Kelly:

On the geographical spread, where we have seen a higher demand is in the Dublin, Offaly, Meath and Limerick areas, particularly in the Dublin area. There is definitely a high interest there, but in terms of geographical spread we have seen the most uptake of apprenticeships is in those areas. Regarding the employers' grant, we do have a grant of €2,000, but the employer can also avail of another €2,000 grant from the national apprenticeship office. A gender bursary is also available, worth €2,606 or something like that. That bursary is there as well. We have one, the national apprenticeship has one and then there is the gender bursary as well. Three bursaries available to the employer. It makes it that bit more attractive and there is a bigger incentive for employers to take on Traveller apprentices along with other marginalised groups as well.

To go back to the internships Mr. Joyce mentioned, we need more local authorities and the public sector on board, along with the local employers. If the Government implements the employment enterprise strategy that we have referenced, it will set out key actions that will help to address the employment situation for the Traveller community, particularly around internships. There are some social enterprises out there that are Traveller led and have self-generating incomes. We need to see more of that.

There are myths out there that Travellers do not want to work or be educated. I will put my hand on the Bible and say that, with the work I have been doing in the programme, the community wants to be educated and to have the skills and employment opportunities. I will stand over that claim. It is important that the Government, along with all the other relevant stakeholders, step in. Government intervention is needed. We need that employment and enterprise strategy. We also need our programme funded. This programme is a positive model. It is working. The community is engaging. The interest is there, albeit not from the employers. We are willing to work and put some plan in place - we have a plan in place - but we need support and the Government, trade unions and IBEC on board. We definitely need the programme. Without the Traveller apprenticeship incentivisation programme, we would be losing out through the community not engaging with any of the courses or apprenticeship opportunities.