Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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2620.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to streamline apprenticeship access and training; whether there has been engagement with education and training boards and the further and higher education sector on these streamlining plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32762/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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This Department's Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 seeks to significantly increase the footprint of apprenticeship within the education landscape, while ensuring that apprenticeships are open and accessible, seen as a viable and exciting career path, and delivering current and future skills needs.

Pertaining to the Deputy's query is objective 5 of the Action Plan to move towards a single apprenticeship system underpinned by a clear governance framework and with strong stakeholder input.

My Department has asked the National Apprenticeship Office to develop proposals to Government on a single national integrated system of apprenticeship. As part of that work the Department and the National Apprenticeship Office are engaging with key stakeholders on draft proposals, including through a public consultation dated February 2024 to April 2024 and through continued engagement with the National Apprenticeship Alliance which advises the National Apprenticeship Office and includes membership from the education and training boards and the further and higher education sector.