Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the fact that the collapse in the number of registered apprenticeships could lead to serious skills shortages when economic recovery occurs; if the number of newly registered apprenticeships fell to just 85 in January 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11365/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Apprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme for employed people aimed at developing the skills of the apprentice to meet the needs of industry and of the labour market. The number of apprentices registered in the month of January 2010 was 82, and 119 apprentices were registered by employers for the month of February 2010. The current level of registrations is in line with the registration level expected at this time and reflects the level of activity in the industry. In terms of the skills requirements that will be needed in the future, the Department's policies will be guided inter alia by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs which reports regularly to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment. I refer the Deputy to the reply provided to Question No 11427/10, for answer today in this context also.