David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and the Minister for the work they and their Department are doing in this area. How many recognised trades and professions at present have apprenticeships? The figure in Germany is almost 350. How many are there here? If the Minister of State does not have that information, he might get it to me.

Will the Minister of State also comment on the role of the technological universities and their importance in this area? Will he tell me how he is ensuring they will not morph into normal universities? Is there a risk that might happen? It is important to maintain a separation and retain the identity of technological universities, especially where apprentices are concerned.

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