Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the publication by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, of a review of the apprenticeship model. Traditionally, apprenticeships have been largely associated with the construction sector. Much more can be done in this area. We have heard many times about the successful apprenticeship system in place in Germany where youth unemployment is below 8%. The review published by the Minister proposes expanding apprenticeships into sectors such as information and communications technology, medical devices and catering and hospitality, an area that is crying out for a review. It is also proposed to develop a partnership between industry and the education sector, including to doctorate level. This is an innovative and important step on which the Minister has proposed to engage with stakeholders as soon as possible. I urge him to do so because the proposals are very positive. We need a shift in emphasis from the current exclusive focus on CAO points.

Senator Bacik referred to the issue of energy and while a debate on the matter is required in the House, I wish to discuss it from another point of view. The European Commission will publish its energy policy for the years until 2030 as the current policy only applies until 2020. Yesterday, the Commission published an interesting report showing that European energy prices are twice as high as those in the United States and 20% higher than in China. While I support renewable energy, it has a cost which must be addressed from a competitiveness and business perspective. If we want to attract industry to this island and Europe in general, we must address energy costs. While we have addressed wages, red tape and services from a competitiveness point of view, we have not focused on the cost of energy. I am aware that we must strike a balance by meeting emissions targets but renewable energy may not necessarily be the way to do so. I am sure the Commission's report to be published later today will give rise to considerable debate on both sides of the energy argument. Central to this debate must be competitiveness and our ability to attract jobs to Ireland and encourage indigenous industry.