Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am appalled that the Seanad is not packed as this debate deals with an issue that affects everybody in every constituency and every walk of life.

The Pathways to Work document, the OECD report and the large number of other reports all of us have read say all that needs to be said on this issue. I will make only a few points, therefore. I have a question on the programmes that are being offered to those who have been unemployed for four months or nine months. These programmes range from initial engagement to record keeping, progression plans, progress in education and training and so forth. How many staff will be needed? Are the resources required to bring this about being made available?

I have written previously on the issue of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are offered in 384 occupational areas in Germany, 170 occupations in the United Kingdom and only 26 occupational areas in Ireland, although the number is being increased. The Minister for Education and Skills received 76 submissions on the apprenticeship model as part of his review. It was amazing to read the list of those who made submissions. It included the Forestry Service, the Crafts Council, the ESB, Bord Gáis, the Heritage Council and the technology, hospitality, hotels, engineering, furniture design and accountancy industries. A wide range of organisations submitted ideas on apprenticeships. I will cite one submission made by Forestry Ireland. It is probably not well known that the output from forestry in 2008 was valued at €1.89 billion, 3,700 people are directly employed in forestry and 2,500 people are employed in saw milling, panel board manufacturing and so forth. Forestry Ireland's submission states the following:

At present, there is a lack of any structured, formalised and nationally accredited system of workplace training for forestry workers employed within the Irish forestry sector. Such systems are widespread across Europe and are a recognised, effective and respected way for new workers to begin a career path within the forestry sector or for existing workers to formalise their status within the industry.

I am firm believer in apprenticeships and a strong opponent of a caste system in education. There is something brilliant about vocational education and it is a good way to go. I referred previously to using the gateway project for this purpose but the Government is not using that method. One could go through the submissions to find out about issues such as inland fisheries, national landscapes, wildlife, national parks, maintenance, water, seashores and so forth. There are thousands of ways this could be used.

I have a question on the resources in place to bring about education, training and experience. There is nothing wrong with being aspirational and I know the Ballymun pilot project is a good one. Are there other projects in place? How will the Department cope with this? The Minister is a great Minister. We have a wonderful opportunity to be creative and establish a pilot project in one or more counties, which involves construction, surveying, flora, fauna, engineering, surrounds, the environment, plants, marketing and communications. We should take something that involves all of these experiences, vocations and vocational education and training and use it as a vehicle. I made this suggestion in a report and while it may be too creative, in some senses, we have nothing to lose.

I congratulate the Minister because this is the beginning of an attempt to come to terms with this issue. One of the most important aspects of my work as a Senator is to try to link into what the Minister is doing in creating possibilities and positive outcomes for young people, without whom we will not go anywhere.