James Leonard
Question:70 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Labour, in view of fears expressed by the Confederation of Irish Industry regarding a scarcity of skilled tradesmen, the steps he will take to improve the intake of apprentices.
Written Answers. - Recruitment of Traders Apprentices.
Primary responsibility for the recruitment of apprentices rests with employers. It has, however, been the practice for FÁS to sponsor a number of apprentices to meet any shortfall due to unexpected increased demand for skilled persons from existing or new employers.
The board of FÁS is currently reviewing the submissions made to it in response to the publication of the FÁS document "Apprenticeship — A New Approach". Proposals for a future apprenticeship system will be submitted to me in due course. Future apprentice numbers will be considered in the light of the outcome of the apprenticeship review.