Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We need a proper apprenticeship scheme similar to the brilliant German system of dual education. One cannot get most jobs in Germany without serving a practical apprenticeship with an employer. In Ireland, there are apprenticeships, which are good in themselves, for electricians, carpenters or plumbers. We have approximately 29 apprenticeships whereas in Germany there are 342 recognised apprenticeships ranging from bankers to opticians.

It would be far more beneficial than cutting back. I imagine the Minister is aware of the public debate about whether she did the right thing in cutting the jobseeker's allowance from €144 to €100 for those under 24. Unfortunately for the Minister, there is an inference that young people who stay at home are lazy and not looking for work. I am proposing what should be done instead. I have an amendment on the matter to help young people get a job. It is very difficult when a person has no experience. Nowadays, employers do not want people who have no experience. How does one get experience? One can only get experience if one is in the workplace from nine to five, eight to four or whatever. That is how to develop a work ethic. It can only be done if one has a job and experience. Instead of a young person of 18 years getting €100 per week, young people who come-----