Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 74: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding apprentices at FÁS (details supplied). [47533/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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FÁS is introducing a new Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme in 2011 to enable eligible apprentices in all trades to undertake their on-the-job training and assessment at training phases 3, 5 and 7. The scheme, for which €7.3m in funding is being provided, will include placements with employers in both the private and the public sectors to ensure as many apprentices as possible are progressed through their apprenticeship and attain their necessary qualifications. The scheme aims to provide placement and training for up to 1,000 apprentices. For the first time, the State will be fully funding the allowance paid to on-the-job redundant apprentices with no wage contribution required of employers. Eligible redundant apprentices will be referred by FÁS to approved employers to participate in the scheme.

A number of additional labour market activation measures are also being introduced by FÁS in 2011 in conjunction with the higher educational sector to assist up to 700 redundant apprentices and craftspersons. These measures include: Assisting referred apprentices who wish to progress in their apprenticeships Inclusion of verifiable work experience abroad in the portfolio of evidence towards completion of apprenticeship Further funding under the Leonardo da Vinci mobility programme for the placement of redundant apprentices to complete their Phase 5 on-the-job training overseas A post Phase 6 pilot programme for a certificate in craft transferable skills The development with the Dublin Institute of Technology of a special course in advanced skills for redundant plastering craftspersons A specially developed training programme for redundant craftspersons to obtain a certificate in entrepreneurship in the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown.

The Department of Education and Skills is providing a wide range of labour market activation measures to assist those who are unemployed improve their skill levels and maintain a close link with the labour market.

This year the Department of Education and Skills will be providing Over 160,000 training and employment places for the unemployed, delivered through FÁS, Skillnets and the Labour Market Activation Fund. 170,000 full time and part time Further Education places. 156,000 places in the Higher Education sector which can be accessed by the unemployed.

In addition, as part of Budget 2011 the Department will be expanding the Work Placement Programme from the 2,000 placements currently on offer to 7,500. 5,000 of the additional placements will be offered in the public sector. The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience to unemployed individuals. The aim of the programme is to keep participants close to the labour market and to provide them with valuable work experience, which will assist them securing employment in the future.

Also announced in Budget 2011 was the new Skills Development and Internship Programme. Under this Programme, participants will receive a significant education and training component while being placed in a company for a period of 12 months. It is expected that this programme will be launched in early March 2011.