Dr. Anna Murphy:

QQI does not have a review on that. I apologise. We do not have the remit in that area and it would not be correct for me to comment on it. However, I will come back to the employer contribution piece. The employers contribute in significant ways to the development of new apprenticeships by identifying the needs and occupational profiles and working with the education providers to work up the curricula. On the job, they do not just employ somebody for that period of time. They provide mentoring, on-the-job training, support and, possibly, assessment.

There is quite a lot, therefore, for the employer to do beyond the financial side. I am not implying that is all the Deputy is thinking of, but it is worth bringing that to his attention because it is part of the mix.