John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I apologise that the Tánaiste cannot be present. I will be replying on her behalf. I thank the Senator for raising the matter because it gives me an opportunity to outline the measures introduced to assist redundant apprentices.

As of 30 September, 7,614 apprentices of the total number of 18,380 were redundant. The number of redundant apprentices who, having reached the minimum qualifying standard, can progress in their apprenticeships is 4,320. Some 3,294 redundant apprentices cannot progress until they successfully pass their outstanding assessments. To deal with this problem in an effective way, FÁS has introduced a number of measures to assist redundant apprentices. To date, over 4,000 have been assisted with on and off-the-job training.

The rules relating to off-the-job training have been amended to permit redundant apprentices to progress to their next off-the-job training phases and, to date, 2,439 have completed such training. A further 955 are attending this type of training. The total number of redundant apprentices to benefit in this regard this year will be 3,587. In addition, the redundant apprentice placement scheme was introduced in April. This provides opportunities for redundant apprentices to complete on-the-job training at phases 3, 5 and 7. It also provides a weekly subsidy of €250 for their employers towards employment costs. As of 8 October, 283 redundant apprentices were in employment, with 27 having completed the relevant phase and a further 31 scheduled to commence training. It is expected that up to 477 redundant apprentices will be placed this year.

ESB Networks is providing on-the-job training for 252 eligible redundant apprentices - electrical and motor mechanics - at phases 5 and 7 this year. To date, some 189 have completed their training. A further 63 are in training.

FÁS has developed phase 7 equivalent off-the-job assessments for redundant apprentices for the trades of carpentry and joinery, electrical, plumbing, brick and stone laying and cabinet making where phase 7 assessments cannot be obtained on the job. As of 30 September, 52 redundant apprentices were undertaking assessments, while 91 had completed them. Apprentices eligible to undertake assessments have been notified by FÁS. Redundant apprentices may also avail of the existing specific skills training and evening courses available at FÁS training centres to enhance their employable skills. To date this year, 1,133 programmes have been availed of by redundant apprentices.

Under the European Union's Leonardo Da Vinci III lifelong learning programme, Leargas, in collaboration with FÁS, has supported 25 redundant apprentices to complete on-the-job training overseas. Some 18 redundant apprentices are engaged in on-the-job training overseas and a further 17 are scheduled to pursue such training in the first half of 2011.

I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. The Tánaiste is very conscious of the plight of many redundant apprentices, particularly those in the construction sector, and is committed to taking all of the steps necessary to constructively address the problem. The variety and relevance of the initiatives I have outlined are testimony to her resolve in this regard. She is open to considering any other proposal the Senator may wish to make in respect of other interventions that might assist in this regard.