Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste, but he did not really answer my question. What I asked was for an immediate meeting with the TEEU and the USI. We spoke to both organisations yesterday afternoon and they had received no indication that a meeting would be organised. Perhaps the situation could be clarified as soon as possible.

The institutions were not even approached before the October budget to say that another possible way of funding students through their apprenticeships was being considered. According to the TEEU and the USI, the scheme was axed with no discussion or debate.

I could make a political play on the issue but I will not because it is too serious. A campaign is being set up that is also backed by the Labour Party candidate for the Leinster region in the European Parliament elections. The matter must be dealt with and resources found immediately. FÁS was supplying the money and SOLAS should supply it now. The matter should be sorted out and the scheme should be reinstated immediately.

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