Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am acutely concerned about this issue and it is one with which I am familiar. That 2% is a significant improvement, which is hard to believe. The truth is that we need to develop apprenticeships in a range of new areas. The Deputy will be aware that there are over 16 new areas and what is encouraging is that female participation in the new apprenticeship areas is significantly higher. There is a determined effort, both by SOLAS and by the Department of Education and Skills, to have better pathways into apprenticeships. As we review the leaving certificate approach and carry out that curricular review, the place of apprenticeships and the high standing in which they are held in most other European countries should be at the core of those changes because, like the Deputy, I think this is a valuable way of learning in a practical environment.

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