Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Again, I am slightly concerned because that sounds a bit like the Taoiseach explaining the inadequacies of our health system by saying that we are victims of our own success in that life expectancy has risen. With an increase in life expectancy, of course, there are more people who need hospital care. With the increase in the number of apprentices, there are more people who need to have their apprenticeships provided for by the State. I do not know if that did not occur to the Department. I hope it did. It still comes down to the fact that we have these waiting lists. While I appreciate that something is being done, it is fair to say that this is not enough. There are still people who are four years into a four-year apprenticeship and who are looking at having to do a further two or three years. That is both unfair and inadequate. It is not just bad for them personally but it is bad for attracting other people into apprenticeships. It is also bad for the housebuilding sector and for the trades they are going to work in because it is a supply-and-demand situation.

I appreciate that work is being done. More needs to be done. The "We are the victims of our own success" line only cuts it so far.

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