Seanad debates

Tuesday, 27 February 2018

2:30 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 13 Members of the House for their contribution to the Order of Business. I join with Senator Ardagh in calling for the expedition of the apprenticeship programme. Ireland has a deficit of apprenticeships that has been well documented. The Minister, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, have been to the forefront in the action plan for apprenticeships for 2016 to 2020 and 26 new apprenticeship applications were approved. We have an aim of having 9,000 apprentices registered by 2020. Therefore, there is a clear pathway. Eleven new apprenticeship programmes have been developed and approved since 2015.

Every time I listen to Senator Ardagh speak about apprenticeships and the construction sector, I wonder if I am living in "Dallas". Am I like Bobby stepping out of the shower and awakening from a dream? I remind Senator Ardagh-----

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