Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)

Over the last number of weeks many ETBs across the country have expressed their concern about funding shortfalls and are saying that they are being squeezed. I have read articles about same related to Louth and Meath ETBs and in my own county, Cork City and County ETB has experienced a similar shortfall in funding. I am guessing - the Minister can correct me if I am wrong - that this is related to the increased allowances for apprentices that were committed to last year. I ask the Minister to explain the squeeze and what he intends to do to make sure all ETBs are adequately funded to deliver the courses they have been prescribed to undertake.

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