Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had discussions with the relevant authorities on the issue of apprentices whose training has been interrupted by the economic downturn; if it will be possible to facilitate the completion of such apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10119/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider priorities of a scheme whereby apprentices who have not completed the practical or work experience part of their courses due to the economic situation can be offered an early opportunity to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10128/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.

FÁS is responsible for the administration of the apprenticeship system nationally with funding provided by this Department.

In the context of the economic downturn, FÁS has, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, put in place a number of measures in recent years to enable registered redundant apprentices to progress in their apprenticeships.

The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2011 was introduced this year to provide assistance to eligible redundant apprentices to complete the on-the-job training phases 3, 5 and 7 of their apprenticeship.

The scheme was developed by FÁS based on discussions with representatives of trade unions and employers represented on the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee. FÁS also held discussions with representatives of local authorities, the OPW, ESB Networks and other organisations in the development and implementation of the scheme.

Employers in the private sector and, for the first time, the public sector, may participate in the scheme provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme provides a weekly training allowance to eligible redundant workers of €260 at Phase 3, €350 at Phase 5 and €400 at Phase 7.

The scheme has a budget allocation of €7.3m in 2011. As at 22 April 2011, 627 redundant apprentices were participating in the scheme and 35 redundant apprentices had completed their off-the-job training Phase.

Other initiatives taken by FÁS to assist redundant apprentices to progress in their apprenticeships include 'Changes in Progression Rules' whereby redundant apprentices unable to complete their relevant on-the-job training phases are now permitted to progress to the next Off-the-Job training phase.

Under the 'Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments Scheme', redundant construction trade apprentices unable to complete on-the-job Phase 7 Assessments at an employer may undertake Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments at a FÁS Training Centre.

The 'Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme' allows redundant apprentices who have successfully completed all apprenticeship training Phases 1 to 7, but who have not completed the statutory four years in employment as an apprentice, to validate their competence by submitting a portfolio of evidence of trade related work experience gained at home and/or abroad and/or trade related training and education.

Under the 'Fee Waiver Scheme', FÁS day and/or evening courses fees are waived for redundant apprentices.

Under the EU 'Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Programme', 12 redundant apprentices commenced on-the-job training with employers in Germany in February 2011.

A number of new programmes for redundant apprentices and craftspersons are currently being developed or implemented by FÁS in conjunction with the Higher Education Authority and Institutes of Technology. These programmes include a post-Phase 6 Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills, a special course in Advanced Skills for Redundant Plastering Craftspersons, a Certificate in Entrepreneurship for Redundant Craftspersons and short duration courses to prepare apprentices to repeat their outstanding assessments.