Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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79. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the apprenticeship review; the next steps following the publication of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12630/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The independent Apprenticeship Review Group, who were tasked with carrying out the Apprenticeship Review submitted their report to my Department in December 2013. The group made comprehensive recommendations, both on the expansion of apprenticeship into new industrial sectors on the enhancement of the model in existing apprenticeship trades.

The review group recommended that its proposals be discussed further with relevant stakeholders to examine how implementation can be progressed as quickly as possible. As an initial step in this process my Department has begun consulting with key stakeholders in order to develop implementation arrangements. In parallel with this process, SOLAS is engaging with some industry sectors who are interested in running pilot programmes that will inform the development of the new model.