Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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1163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence received by his Department from a union (details supplied) on 16 March 2021 in respect of the proposed new apprenticeship action plan; his further views on whether the critical role played by the trade union movement in the delivery and operation of an internationally recognised best practice apprenticeship system ought to be a central feature of the revised system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/21]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The trade union movement are an integral part of the delivery of the apprenticeship system in Ireland. This is achieved through membership of the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee (NAAC), a subcommittee of SOLAS, as well as the Apprenticeship Council which has overseen the expansion of apprenticeship over the last five year period to reach a total of 60 programmes across all sectors of the economy.

The forthcoming Action Plan for Apprenticeship will set out a strategy for the coming five year period which will deliver an apprenticeship system which is flexible and responsive, providing a strong value proposition for employers and apprentices, is attractive and easy to engage with, and delivers high standards and sought after qualifications.  The only way to achieve this, and to safeguard the success of the apprenticeship system into the future, is through embedding the continued engagement of stakeholders, including the trade union movement, into the system.

A response to the correspondence referred to in the Question has issued outlining the important role of trade unions in the forthcoming Action Plan, including in the craft apprenticeship area.