Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 115: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of apprentices in FÁS related schemes who were made redundant in each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. [7326/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the last three years FÁS were notified of the following numbers of apprentices who were made redundant:

2006 — 428 apprentices were recorded as redundant

2007 — 706 apprentices were recorded as redundant

2008 — 3,078 apprentices were recorded as redundant.

The significant increase in these figures demonstrates the scale of the downturn in the construction sector, which has occurred since the end of 2007. The Government has initiated several measures to assist these redundant apprentices complete their apprenticeships. Under these measures almost 2,200 redundant apprentices will benefit and be able to progress their apprenticeships. This is comprised of the following:

It is expected that over 1,200 redundant apprentices will receive off-the-training during 2009.

The FÁS employer based redundant apprentices rotation scheme will provide training on-the-job training opportunities for up to 500 redundant apprentices in 2009.

ESB Networks has agreed a programme with FÁS to provide 400 redundant electrical apprentices with on-the-job training opportunities at Phases 5 and 7 over an 18-month period.

Léargas has provided part funding under the EU's Leonardo da Vinci programme to support the placement of 26 redundant apprentices with overseas employers to complete their Phase 7 on-the-job training. FÁS have submitted a further proposal to Léargas for up to 60 additional redundant apprentices to complete their on-the-job training in Finland and Germany.

The Government will continue to consider other initiatives to provide assistance to redundant apprentices to facilitate their progression and completion of their apprenticeships.