Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the assistance being made available to FÁS apprentices whose sponsors, due to the economic downturn, are unable to provide them with the work needed to be undertaken as part of their apprenticeships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6737/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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FÁS has responded to the increase in the level of redundant apprentices especially in the construction and related sectors by providing the following supports for redundant apprentices.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs immediately refer redundant apprentices to FÁS for assistance.

Following this immediate referral, the FÁS Employment Services and FÁS Services to Business Divisions work in collaboration to provide guidance and support in sourcing a new employer and to consider further options. FÁS has amended the scheduling rules for off-the-job training to permit redundant apprentices to progress to their next off-the-job training, at Phase 2, Phase 4 and Phase 6, in accordance with the existing scheduling criteria.

FÁS introduced an Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme to provide support for employers to provide on-the-job training to redundant apprentices when they have released their employed apprentice to a scheduled Phase 4 and Phase 6 off-the-job training phase in the Institutes of Technology.

ESB Networks have agreed a programme with FÁS to provide on-the-job training to eligible redundant electrical apprentices at Phase 5 and Phase 7. This programme will provide up to 400 places over a period of eighteen months and this programme will be funded by ESB Networks.

Redundant Apprentices may also avail of existing specific skills training courses, which are trade related to enhance their employable skills. Redundant apprentices may also avail of the range of trade related night courses, which are available in FÁS training centres.