Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----is a premier tourism area. Of more concern are the reports that have emanated in recent weeks and been highlighted in today's newspapers that despite a reduction in the unemployment rate, 11.9% of our people are still unemployed. There are 3,000 vacancies in the hospitality sector. The Irish Hotels Federation and others have called for the Government, through the new post-FÁS training organisation SOLAS, to set up apprenticeships in the hospitality sector. Unquestionably, such jobs would have substantial advantages, but those who are interested in the sector seem to be emigrating. The hotel sector, which is about to experience a significant increase in tourist numbers this year, may need to look to eastern Europe and elsewhere for people to fill those jobs. This is a pity, given the fact that so many young people in Ireland are unemployed. Will the Deputy Leader respond to the suggestion that SOLAS could be prompted to set up a number of apprenticeships, which would encourage young people to get involved in the hospitality sector?