John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his answer. It is not directly his responsibility. SOLAS is being deliberately disingenuous with the answer that it has provided to the Minister. SOLAS is dodging the question. I state categorically that SOLAS is massaging the figures. I have verifiable figures from both the Construction Industry Federation and ICTU which have made a joint submission to the Department. There are only four plasterers, three block layers and three painters and decorators under apprenticeship in the country. Obviously, SOLAS is deliberately including mechanics and electricians in its figures to dodge the question. I refer to the wet trades. Specifically, I refer to the construction sector in this regard. These figures were only put together within the past fortnight.

I do not share the confidence that SOLAS is on top of the job and there is a robust system of training in place for these specific trades and skill sets. I would respectfully ask the Minister of State to bring that back to the Minister for Education and Skills and see that it is addressed.