Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which apprenticeships are available in all areas throughout the country at present; the uptake of such places; the extent to which the places available meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43900/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In recent years, the impact of the economic downturn has led to a collapse in demand for apprentices from employers, particularly in construction related trades. Significant numbers of apprentices have also been made redundant before completion of their training.

While demand for a number of apprenticeship trades is not expected to recover to pre- recession levels, employment opportunities may emerge in other sectors of the economy not currently covered by the current apprenticeship scheme. Under the Government's Action Plan for Jobs my Department is committed to carrying out a review of the apprenticeship system in 2013.
This review is being carried out in order to provide a modern 21st century, realistic and flexible Irish Apprenticeship System, reflective of the relevant skills requirements of industry both in the public and private sectors and potential apprentices including young unemployed jobseekers.

The review of the Apprenticeship System is being undertaken in two phases, the first being the preparation of a background issues paper, and the second a public consultation process – which is being managed by an independent group appointed in May 2013. This phase of the review is currently under way.
Following the consultation process, the review group shall recommend options recognising the broad spectrum of vocational training available, for the development of the apprentice formation system, and other work based education/training systems, including, as necessary: - Legislative changes; Model of delivery/curriculum/ range of crafts/ occupations; Funding and finance mechanisms; Provision changes; Staffing and resource implications; Governance changes; Transition actions resulting from recommendations. It is expected that initial recommendations will be received by end 2013.

For the Deputy's information the details below outline the apprentice population by region year to date and the apprenticeship registrations by region year to date.
Population by Region 2013 YTD (As of 6/10/2013)

(As of 6/10/2013) - Registration by Region 2013 YTD