Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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561. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has finalised the respective roles for SOLAS and institutes of technology for the apprenticeship implementation plan; if she will examine this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8298/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department and its agencies are currently implementing the first phase of the Apprenticeship Implementation Plan, focused on several actions including the establishment of an Apprenticeship Council to develop and issue a call for proposals to industry for apprenticeships in new sectors. This call for proposals is under way and I expect a report from the Council in the second quarter of this year with recommendations on the development of new apprenticeships. Proposals will come from consortia of industry sectors and education and training providers and I expect that both Education and Training Boards and Institutes of Technology will positively consider links with industry partners. Later this year, implementation of phase 2 of the Plan will focus on the detailed development of successful proposals into new apprenticeships. This will include determining the specific arrangements for each new apprenticeship in terms of qualifications, curriculum and programme delivery.