Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 478: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to adapt and change apprenticeship programmes in the construction area in light of the reduction in growth in the industry; the number of people who have left the apprenticeship programmes in the past two years; the system set in place to ensure these apprentices continue to have a job; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26895/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Board of FÁS identified the changing employment patterns and future prospects in the Construction / Contracting Sector as a key area in the external environment that could impact on the achievement of FÁS "strategic objectives".

The Board established a Sub-committee to oversee the development of a FÁS contingency plan to meet these changes. The Sub-committee widely consulted all Stakeholders including relevant Government Departments, State Agencies and the Social Partners. The Sub-committee's Interim Report was endorsed at the April 2008 FÁS Board Meeting.

The interim report includes a number of recommendations in relation to apprenticeship and FÁS has commenced the implementation process:

1. FÁS has met with the CIF to discuss the impact of the slowdown in the Construction Industry on the Apprenticeship Programme. The CIF agreed to consult with members and to come back to FÁS with their views and proposals.

2. FÁS have put into place a register of Redundant Apprentices by Trade in order to identify these people at the earliest possible point of time and FÁS have prioritised the need to locate an employer to sponsor the completion of the Apprentices "off-the-job" training.

3. As an interim measure, FÁS now allow redundant apprentices to progress to the next phase of "off-the-job" tuition without completing the intervening "on-the-job" training.

4. FÁS have opened discussions with the relevant bodies to explore the most practical way for recognising the "on-the-job" training and assessment where a redundant apprentice has secured employment abroad.

5. FÁS will not allow employers who make an apprentice redundant to subsequently recruit another apprentice in the same trade before the apprenticeship period of the redundant apprentice has expired

6. FÁS will explore the feasibility of creating new apprenticeships in those highly-skilled occupations which have become extensively required in the Construction Industry (e.g. glazing, insulation).

The number of Apprentices who have left the apprenticeship programme over the past two years is as follows:

FÁS has no record of apprentices who have left during Phases 4 and 6 in 2006 and 2007.