Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the training of apprentices in institutes of technology or other third level institutions in view of the decline in uptake of same. [15927/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The downturn in the construction sector has resulted in a significant fall off in the numbers of apprentices being recruited nationally. In 2009 the Higher Education Authority (HEA) consulted widely with individual institutions on the impact of the reduction in these numbers on the level of apprenticeship provision in the education sector. An independent evaluation panel was established, to advise the HEA in relation to the appropriate levels of provision which should be maintained within the education sector having regard to likely future demand to 2014.

Levels of apprentice recruitment continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis and projections of future demand are regularly reviewed by my Department, FÁS and the HEA and these inform the planning of provision by Institutes of Technology. As a result of the fall off in the number of apprentices requiring training Institutes of Technology have redeployed staff to other areas, including special courses for redundant apprentices, conversion programmes to enable tradespersons and apprentices achieve new skills, and revision programmes for apprentices whose progress is delayed by assessment outcomes.