Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I understand that we are making arrangements to lessen the time which those made redundant must wait to avail of back to education schemes. With regard to apprentices, arrangements are being made by the Tánaiste in her Department to ensure those in the process of completing their apprenticeships and who may become unemployed as a result of the downturn can continue with programmes in colleges to be able to complete their apprenticeships and obtain qualifications.

See this speech in context