Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have missed our question time so much. It is good to be back. The Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, can answer on apprenticeships.

On the critical skills list, the Deputy made a really serious point. We now have a Department — mine — dedicated to the skills agenda. We are reviewing the skills infrastructure. We have a national skills council and regional skills fora but the system needs to be more cohesive. To answer the Deputy's question, the agency charged with responsibility is SOLAS, but I will revert to her specifically on it. I accept the challenge, however. It is a fair one.

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