Mr. Michael Fitzgerald:

It is in our interest that our staff, whether they are apprentices or have gone onwards, have lifelong learning because there are standard improvements, better ways of doing things and innovations constantly.

What we have done is we have developed a pathway to a level 7 engineering degree for network technicians. After they have qualified in Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, level 6 as staff and they have worked in the field for a number of years, they have an option of applying for a level 7 degree in industrial electrical engineering.

We have partnered with a third level institute in terms of creating content for that which is applicable to our industry. It is around the transmission and distribution system engineering, as well as all of the other excellent skills that a third level qualification brings.

This is our third year running that programme and we have three classes running through that. It is a two-year programme on the job via apprenticeship similar to every other apprenticeship. It has been an excellent programme and is the way of the future. We will look to enhance that and maybe look at further qualifications for people in terms of technical specialisms within the green and digital economy and the agility that this brings in terms of the changes that are currently coming within the transmission and distribution system which we will be dealing with every day.