John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have incorporated the national census question about disability into the apprenticeship registration process as a means of gathering more robust data for participation levels. My Department has now set annual targets for diverse participation in apprenticeships. They include targets for the participation of those with a disability and women. The aim under the action plan is to have 600 female apprenticeships by 2019 and 1,000 by 2020. This is a slow process bearing in mind where we were and the low number of women who were involved in apprenticeships.

It is important to note that when we make a call for apprenticeships, it is done across all diverse groups. We have been taking into consideration the low uptake by females and disability groups in the apprenticeship market, but it is happening and the numbers are increasing. SOLAS, my Department and others, including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and all other agencies, are aware that we need to get more women into the workforce. In particular, we need to get more women involved in apprenticeships. I am convinced. My aim and that of my Department is to double the numbers. If we reach our quota of 600 next year, we will have doubled the number of female apprenticeships for two years in a row, which would be a really good step forward.

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