Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Strong linkages are developing between FÁS and the institutes of technology in terms of skills, a good example of which is the LÍONRA initiative in the north west involving institutes from Letterkenny to Sligo and Galway. The idea is that where there can be complementarity, there should be, and where institutes can provide a certain component of training or programmes, they should do so. FÁS can contract out to the institutes to provide specific programmes. They should not compete to get the same business. Rather, we should try to get higher standards and quality of provision.

Regarding the construction industry, we had to increase the apprenticeship provision in this year's Estimate by €17 million because of bottlenecks. The overall amount for apprenticeships this year will be €128 million with approximately 19,600 places in FÁS and the institutes of technology. Despite all the commentary, demand was still present last year and coming into this year. It is worth pointing out.

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