Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will put a number of questions to the Minister. If time does not allow for a response now, perhaps he will get back to me in writing.

I have been approached by a number of people who are currently undertaking apprenticeships and are concerned about the college aspect of their courses. One young man in particular told me he was due to start the college part in September 2020 but has been told he will not be able to enrol until 2022. That is two years later than planned. Obviously, the course was closed for a time, numbers were reduced and there was a backlog as a result. This is concerning, however, because many young people are asking if they will have to work longer on very low wages until they get their qualification. Can something be done to clear up this mess? Perhaps more resources could be provided to allow more students to undertake the college aspects of their apprenticeship and qualify at their normal time.

The second issue I raise is the recognition of Irish Sign Language as a subject. The Minister is probably aware that there is a course in deaf studies in Trinity College Dublin. Many of those who graduate from the course choose to go on and teach it. It is a four-year honours level degree course. It is not recognised as a teaching subject by the Teaching Council, however. Can this issue be addressed? Perhaps it does not fall under the Minister's remit. If not, he might direct me to the Minister with responsibility for this issue. Irish Sign Language is recognised as an official language of this State and should, therefore, be treated on a par with all other languages.

A number of students who are undertaking social care subjects - this may also apply to a number of other courses - must go out on placement work. I have written to the Minister on this issue and he indicated that he is seeking a solution. Has any resolution been found? Has any progress been made on that score?

I was concerned to hear this week that the number of students applying through the CAO process to pursue courses in teaching has declined. I am aware that schools have been finding it difficult for a number of years to get teachers on any sort of level, be it full-time, part-time or as substitutes. This is a serious issue. If educational standards in our school system fall, it will have a knock-on effect on the prospects of every student. This issue needs to be addressed urgently. What can be done by the Department to encourage more young people to go into the teaching profession?

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