Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who has been made redundant while in the process of completing their FÁS apprenticeship to qualify as a mechanic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8337/09]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who has been made redundant while in the process of completing their FÁS apprenticeship to qualify as a panel beater; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8338/09]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who has been made redundant while in the process of completing their FÁS apprenticeship to qualify as a furniture designer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8339/09]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who has been made redundant while in the process of completing their FÁS apprenticeship to qualify in sheet metal work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8340/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 to 98, inclusive, together.

A number of measures have been initiated to assist all apprentices progress and complete their apprenticeships. The Department of Social and Family Affairs are immediately referring to FÁS all redundant apprentices for assistance. FÁS then, through their Employment Services and Services to Business Divisions, work in collaboration to provide guidance and support in sourcing a new employer and to consider further options.

As an interim measure 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 either Phase 2, Phase 4 or Phase 6, in accordance with the existing scheduling criteria. It is expected that in excess of 1,200 redundant apprentices from all trades will receive such off-the-job training this year.

Redundant apprentices from all trades may also avail of existing specific skills training courses provided by FÁS. Redundant apprentices who participate in these courses will benefit by increasing their skill levels and enhancing their employability. In addition, redundant apprentices can also avail of the range of trade related night courses that are available in FÁS training centres.

The construction and electrical family of trades have specific support available to them at present in the form of the Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme. This scheme is limited to these trades as they have been most severely affected by the downturn in the construction sector and they account for the majority of apprentices currently in the apprenticeship system.

The Government and the various stakeholders will continue to consider other possible measures to assist redundant apprentices from all trades in progressing their respective apprenticeships.