Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of it. I have not met them and I am not sure if they are looking to meet me. I would be delighted to meet them and am more than happy to set that up with the Deputy. As the Deputy rightly says, I will ensure that policy comes from both the bottom up and top down, for want of a better phrase. I will ensure that is reflected in my engagement with SOLAS, the ETBs and my Department.

I do not have the data that the Deputy is seeking. I will state clearly that I am concerned if a number of people, particularly younger people but anybody seeking to access LTIs, find themselves not in a position to gain that access. We are spending more money on further education and training probably than ever before and certainly more than in an awfully long time. This is demand-led and we want to provide opportunities for everybody to upskill, reskill and get into work with the career they want. There should not be any blockages like that. Perhaps the Deputy and I could discuss that in more detail. I will certainly inquire about the data and revert to the Deputy.

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