Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department has become alert to a shortage of skills in certain areas with particular reference to those sectors previously provided for by way of apprenticeships; if any dialogue has taken place with industry with a view to identifying how best to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2315/14]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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SOLAS has had a number of meetings with representatives of the Construction Industry who highlighted specific areas and skillsets where additional training could be provided. In the context of their course calendar planning for 2014, SOLAS will review and where possible amend programmes to facilitate the Construction Industry's needs.

Under the Action Plan for Jobs initiative, a review of the Apprenticeship System was commenced in 2013 to determine whether the current model of apprenticeship should be retained, adapted or replaced, taking into account the needs of learners, employers, the economy and the need for cost effectiveness into the future. The review, which received over 60 submissions, was completed and presented to my Department in December 2013.

The implementation of the report's recommendations will now be considered by relevant stakeholders in the context of establishing a framework for a future expanded apprenticeship system.