Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Government's current target for apprentices in 2025 is 10,000, but he has not even reached the 2020 target of 9,000. There is no specific target for craft apprentices, which is absolutely crucial because these are the people we want to build the homes we so desperately need. The Taoiseach constantly says that the apprenticeship system is employer-led and demand driven. However, he always seems to overlook the largest employer in the State, which is the public service. We can directly create apprenticeships through our local authorities, but the reality is that very few local authorities have been enabled to lead the delivery of craft apprenticeships. They can meet targets by increasing supply. This is despite housing maintenance being in an absolute state of crisis, between mould, dampness, cracked chimneys, damaged doors and broken windows. Will the Government finally set a target for new craft registrations and will it work with the local authorities to achieve it?

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