Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State made a point that I think that is something that we, as a Government, should work on. The Minister of State is being very proactive and progressive in the work permit area as is the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, in the whole area of apprenticeships. Yesterday the Minister, Deputy Harris, announced a new apprenticeship programme. He specifically mentioned chefs and executive chefs. The Minister of State made the point about these jobs being a career. The whole issue of post leaving certificate, PLC, courses, further education and apprenticeships is one that we should have a serious debate in this House on and how we can use them as a pathway to a sustainable career for people in the hospitality sector. I know the Minister, Deputy Harris, has broadened apprenticeship programmes. We have seen the PLC courses being expanded and the different levels under FETAC. In the context of the apprenticeship scheme, perhaps after the summer, we should have a debate about how we make the hospitality sector, in particular, a sustainable career for people who want work in that sector on a long-term basis.