Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree. That is why when I was Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science - I thank the Deputy for his kind words - we set up a number of apprenticeships specifically in partnership with the haulage industry. We remain open for business in terms of doing more.

It is also why migrants are good in this country, because when we talk to the representatives of that sector, it very much relies on work permits and the like as well. It is about making sure we have a work permit system because immigrants bring positive benefits to so many sectors of the economy and society; I am sure Deputy McGrath would welcome that. It is also why we need an apprenticeship system that continues to work with industry.

See this speech in context