Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the options an apprentice blocklayer (details supplied) in County Carlow, who is 12 weeks short on work experience to complete their apprenticeship, has in view of the fact that there is no work available to them at present. [36633/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I understand from FÁS that the person in question is an Apprentice Brick and Stonelayer who has availed of the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme and that he requires 12 weeks on Phase 7 and a further 11 weeks on other on-the-job phases to meet the requirements for certification. On completion of Phase 7, he would then be eligible to avail of the Competency Determination Mechanism to determine if he has reached the standard for certification.

The budget allocation for the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme for 2011 has been fully committed. Consequently, FÁS is not in a position to issue any further contracts at present. I understand that FÁS is continuing to take applications for the scheme pending the allocation of the 2012 budget. I understand FÁS has worked closely with the person in question over the last few months and will continue to provide advice and assistance to enable him to complete his apprenticeship.