Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 324: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the standard of having the ratio of two apprentices to every qualified electrician has fallen as far back as ten apprentices to every qualified electrician; his views on whether this will affect the safety standards in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4710/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Standard Based Apprenticeship programme provides for seven phases of training, four on-the-job and three off-the-job. Apprentices are assessed on a structured ongoing basis throughout their apprenticeship. Modular assessments are carried out during the off-the-job training phases. These assessments incorporate course work, standardised practical assessments and theoretical assessments. During the on-the-job training phases of apprenticeship the apprentice's competence is assessed to pre-specified standards by the employer and the results of these assessments are submitted to FÁS.

FÁS Services to Business personnel adopt a pragmatic approach that recognises the variety and complexity of considerations in the work environment that can impact on both an employer's ability to provide necessary on-the-job training for apprentices and determine the appropriate ratio of apprentices to qualified craftspersons. These are assessed on a case-by-case basis. FÁS Services to Business monitors employers during the apprenticeship programme to ensure that the training and assessment standards for on-the-job programmes are maintained. Employers are responsible for safety standards in the workplace under the Safety, Health & Welfare Act 2005. There is no reason to believe that the ratios at issue have any negative implications for the maintenance of the required safety standards at work.