Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I am disappointed to hear that. There is clearly a misunderstanding because there are students who have enrolled for courses in September. That is inaccurate information that Tipperary ETB has supplied to the Minister of State.

I will quote the comments of a student, who said the course made them come out of their shell a lot. The student said it is the best thing they have done and went on to say that everyone was friendly and the work was fun. The student said that the course helped them to become more confident and to find a path. Those were the words of just one of the participants.

A second student said that looking back at the person they were last year and the person they are now, they realised there had been a big change. The student thanked the LTI co-ordinators. They have done so much. I have spoken to them today. There are students who have enrolled for September so that is not true information. I am pleading with the Minister of State.

I will say a focal scoir because I am sharing time with Deputy Michael Murphy. The National Training Fund was established by the National Training Fund Act 2000 as a dedicated fund for schemes. It aimed to raise the skills of those in employment and provide training to those who wished to acquire skills. This fund now can be used by the Department to support Tipperary ETB and the other ETBs throughout the country. I appeal to the Minister of State to go back to the drawing board and ensure these people are allowed to continue on their career paths.

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