Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. His response is certainly more positive than I had anticipated in terms of my conversations with those in the sector. I acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Lawless, said to me that under his stewardship no apprenticeship programme would be cut. That is why I was concerned when I learned about this. I am very happy that the programme is not being discontinued but is operating on a two-year schedule. I also appreciate that the ETBs have an independent function. The programmes need to be supported in a sustainable way. My concern is in respect of the 43 applicants for next September. If they have decided this is the course they want to do, I would hope there will be some type of accommodation for them somewhere. In the immediate future, that is my main concern. I do not know if the Minister of State has any note to address that. I appreciate it is outside his own remit.