Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)

I thank all the witnesses for coming in and for their contributions. It is great to hear the views of the employers in this because ultimately, apprenticeships are all about working with employers and providing the skills employers need today. I appreciate the insights the witnesses are all able to bring to this.

I have a number of questions, the first of which is to both IBEC and Chambers Ireland. In the area of apprenticeships, both organisations commented on how long it takes to get them approved, particularly the consortia-led apprenticeships. Do the witnesses have any insight as to why that takes so long in order to help us identify the blockages that we could perhaps address?