Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of registered apprentices in 2018; the target for registered apprentices in each of the years to 2021, by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28780/18]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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The information requested by the Deputy in relation to target apprenticeship registrations in the period 2018 to 2020 is set out in the table. The Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship & Traineeship 2016-2020 sets out annual target apprenticeship registrations in the period to 2020. The Plan does not set registration targets by gender.

It should be noted that SOLAS do not currently have forecast registrations beyond 2020.  I am informed by SOLAS that due to a break in the Central Statistics Office (CSO) data series and issues with the ESRI macro-economic model there has been a delay in updating of skills forecasts by the Skills and Labour Market and Research Unit (SLMRU).  As soon as these issues are resolved I understand that the SLMRU will commence the occupational skills forecasting project, with subsequent publication.

2,280 new apprentices registered on apprenticeship programmes at end June 2018.  It should be noted that a large number of registrations take place at the start of the academic year (i.e. September 2018).