Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 268: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the training of apprenticeships for the Defence Forces; the number of such apprentices trained on an annual basis in the past 12 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2610/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Following the closure of the Army Apprentice School in 1998, and in order to ensure the availability of the requisite levels of technical skills in the Defence Forces, a Trainee Technician Scheme and an Apprentice Scheme were introduced.

Personnel already serving in the Defence Forces enter the Trainee Technician Scheme while civilian personnel who join the Defence Forces to begin their technical training enter the Apprentice Scheme. Training under the Schemes consists of an integrated package of military training and technical training in the appropriate trade, the latter of which is provided in association with FÁS.

The duration of both Schemes is four years and, on successful completion, personnel graduate in line with the National Framework of Qualifications.

In the time available it has not been possible to collate figures to provide an annual breakdown of those trained in the years from 1998. The military authorities advise me, however, that they are currently preparing this information and as soon as it available it will be provided directly to the Deputy.