Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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There are now many apprenticeships and pathways available to "earn as you learn". We have heard that when pupils are in transition year, a pathway is pointed to for them, but it is very academic and almost intellectual snobbery. We must start encouraging younger people to keep in mind that they can earn with their hands too. We need all of the trades to be filled. There are many permits going to people from outside the European Union with specific trades, as the delegates will be aware, owing to the lack of skills here. Will they comment on this issue?