Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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552. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the delays affecting apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; and the reasons for those delays. [50531/26]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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553. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average length of time it is currently taking to complete the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship, compared with the intended duration of the programme. [50532/26]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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554. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that are currently in place to address delays in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; and to ensure that apprentices can progress through each phase within the expected timeframe. [50533/26]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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555. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprentices that are currently awaiting progression to the next phase of the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship, and the average waiting time involved. [50534/26]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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556. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the ongoing delays affecting apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; the reasons for those delays; the actions being taken to restore normal progression through the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50535/26]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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557. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps in place to address delays in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; the additional measures that are planned; and when those measures are expected to reduce waiting times. [50537/26]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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558. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship that are awaiting progression to the next phase; the average waiting time involved; and the number who have been waiting longer than the expected timeframe. [50538/26]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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559. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when an apprentice who completed phase two in February 2025 (details supplied) and has remained in phase three for well over a year can expect to be called to the next phase of the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship. [50539/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 552 to 559, inclusive, together.

SOLAS is the State agency with responsibility for further education and training, including apprenticeships, and monitors scheduling across all trades to support efficient delivery and minimise delays.

SOLAS data indicates that the current expected median completion time for the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprenticeship is approximately 258 weeks, including the certification validation period. For context, the mandatory minimum duration of a typical craft apprenticeship is 208 weeks, with a further period of up to 12 weeks for certification.

On-the-job training occurs at Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7, and off-the-job training at Phases 2, 4 and 6. Within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprenticeship, the current projected median durations for the on-the-job phases, indicative of the time to progression to the next off-the-job phase, are approximately 76 weeks for Phase 1, 79 weeks for Phase 3 and 56 weeks for Phase 5. There are currently 180 apprentices eligible for Phase 2 training; 151 apprentices eligible for Phase 4 training and 42 apprentices eligible for Phase 6 training.

SOLAS is engaging with training providers to increase capacity across all phases of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning programme. There has been a significant reduction in progression timelines compared to December 2025, when the estimated duration for Phase 1 stood at 94 weeks. SOLAS is continuing to engage with ETBs to identify opportunities to increase capacity at Phase 2.

SOLAS has also engaged with the Higher Education Authority regarding expanding capacity at Phases 4 and 6 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning programme. Additional capacity in these phases was introduced in January 2026, with further expansion planned for January 2027. These measures will provide an additional 144 training places per annum compared to 2025. This increase in training capacity will support improved programme timelines.

The apprenticeship system operates on a continuous intake basis, and maintaining a steady pipeline of apprentices is essential to ensure full classes and maximise value for money. Classes are scheduled on a rolling basis throughout the year, while smaller trades may require longer on-the-job phases to optimise workshop capacity. Training delivered in Higher Education Institutions, typically Phases 4 and 6, follows the academic calendar, which also impacts scheduling. Across the craft apprenticeship system overall, the median time to certification was 239 weeks in 2024, reducing to 227 weeks in 2025, indicating that the majority of apprentices are completing their apprenticeship in a timely manner.

It remains my priority to continue to grow the apprenticeship system, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to increase annual registrations to 12,500 by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction-related apprenticeships.