Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is tempting me. Obviously, on-the-job training, off-site training and so forth are important. The blended programme I referred to should make up time, and there is a desire to get people back on track in terms of the timeline so they can complete their apprenticeship programme within the timeline identified at the outset. I cannot give guarantees in respect of that but I would like to believe that SOLAS and the HEA will be flexible and sensible enough in terms of the design of the programmes and using that blended approach to facilitate the individuals concerned.

Overall, what is clear from this is that there has been a step change. The new Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is leaving its mark in respect of further education and apprenticeship training, but it is also bringing together and co-ordinating much more effectively than heretofore SOLAS, the education and training boards, and the Higher Education Authority. This is extremely important if we are to achieve the best value for the resources that are allocated and more targeted approaches.

We need more skilled apprentices available to the economy right across the board. We have a retrofitting programme to do, and, again, we will require specific skill sets for that in addition to the housebuilding. There is a whole programme on direct provision. A whole programme will be required right across the board. It is going to be very challenging on the skills front.

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