Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach. The Minister is very welcome.

I welcome the motion and the focus it brings to higher education. The area I would like to highlight is the commitment in the programme for Government to investing in and growing our apprenticeships, particularly in construction, retrofitting and healthcare. I mentioned last week the tertiary access route to general nursing, which is starting in the Galway and Roscommon ETB in Castlerea, County Roscommon. There need to be more programmes like that giving access.

We often hear about proposals that do not make a strong enough business case for further education and training. Let me put it plainly: the growth and availability of apprenticeships are not just nice to have; they are essential.They are directly linked to tackling the housing crisis, meeting our 2030 climate targets and promoting balanced regional and economic development. If somebody asked me to make a business case for apprenticeships, I would ask them how quickly they can get builders, electricians or plumbers right now. Qualified tradespeople are in such high demand that they can pick and choose the jobs they want. For example, on retrofitting, like many colleagues across this House, I have helped people apply for the warmer homes scheme and similar supports. SEAI data shows the average wait time for the scheme in 2023 was 20 months and in 2024 it was 17 months. In my home county, it is over 18 months, which is a wait of a year and a half during a period of rising energy costs for a scheme designed to help people.

During the debate on forestry last week, I spoke about the ambitious plan to grow our national forestry cover. Who will maintain the new forestry, however? We need arborists. This is a clear example of how current policy is creating a future skills need. We need to act now. Now is the time to invest in our future and that of our children. In that context, we need to identify the skills gaps that exist and target the regions where provision is lacking. It is not just about education spending; it is about smart investment.

Our apprenticeship options and facilities need to be more dynamic and responsive. The slogan on the SOLAS web page today is: "FET [further education and training] is for everyone, is available in every community and offers a pathway to take you as far as you want to go." We need to look at ourselves and ask if we are delivering these opportunities in every community for every learner. Let us make sure this pathway is clear, accessible and supported for every learner in every corner of the country.

I acknowledge what Senator Cosgrove said about improving the links between our universities. The N61 linking ATU in Sligo to TUS in Athlone is a vital piece of infrastructure that is needed and that would help reduce costs for students. It should be built into all of that. I take the opportunity to invite the Minister to come down to Roscommon in the very near future in order that I can show him the opportunities we have for apprenticeships.