Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We do. I again acknowledge the role of the instructors, as the Deputy has done. We are working in a sector where there is a real passion from people doing their job.

They stepped up and did a hell of a lot more than anyone could have asked of them and I acknowledge that today. Yes, we need to continue to expand the size of the workforce. If the Deputy is asking what I think the two biggest constraints are, truthfully, a big part of it is how we financially support our apprentices, for the reasons the Deputy stated. When apprentices qualify, they generally go on to well-paid jobs but it can be difficult during the period of the apprenticeship. I want to look at it and I am happy to work with the Deputy between now and the Estimates process to see how we can better financially support apprentices. The second constraint is physical capacity. I acknowledge that the number of instructors must continue to grow. For example, we have funding this year to develop two large training hubs dedicated to electrical training. Electrical, plumbing and carpentry programmes are being expanded. New electrical workshops are being developed with Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board. There is a new training facility in Donegal. There is a call for additional phase 2 capacity in craft programmes such as carpentry, plumbing and refrigeration and we are expanding the number of electrical apprenticeships in ATU, Donegal and Munster Technological University, Kerry. Due to the growth, which is a good thing, as a result of all the focus on apprenticeships and the fact that more people than ever before are now coming forward, physical capacity and financial supports for apprentices are my two priorities.

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