David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

The Minister has acknowledged that a funding pressure has been identified so we know there is an issue. The question then is how it will be resolved. I welcome that the Minister said no class or apprenticeship will be either suspended or cancelled. I have been told by the Waterford-Wexford ETB that many of the phase 2 classes for July have not been called, which could affect up to 500 apprentices. It covers very important trades like carpentry and the other trades and skills we need, for example, to build houses. I welcome what the Minister said, in so far as it goes, but could he perhaps provide more clarity on the situation? He is saying this is not going to have an impact on classes being called, yet I have a note that states no apprenticeship class scheduled for July has been called in the Waterford-Wexford area. How does that square with what he said? Has there been some movement since contact was made with us? If that is the case, that would be fantastic. It would be a step forward. Perhaps the Minister could clarify that.

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