asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on the serious situation created by the premature termination of many trade apprenticeships and the serious consequences for Irish industry in the future.

From figures available to AnCO and from the results of a number of surveys carried out by AnCO, it is estimated that there are between 400 and 500 apprentices out of work at present. The trades most affected are construction, motor and electrical associated with construction. Unemployment among apprentices rose rapidly around September/ October, 1974, but it has been relatively stable since then. In all about 1,600 apprentices have been notified to the training authority as redundant since that time but their surveys have established that the great majority of them have found alternative employment.

All apprentices notified to AnCO as being out of work are advised by letter to register with the National Manpower Service and to contact the nearest AnCO training centre. Where out of work apprentices contact AnCO training centres arrangements are made to provide training. Three hundred and forty-three out-of-work apprentices were given training by the training authority in 1975 and approximately 400 in 1976.

AnCO is somewhat disappointed with the response by apprentices to the invitation to present themselves for these courses and could accommodate more apprentices if they would come forward.

To improve the future supply of skilled workers, AnCO have provided training for substantial numbers of first year apprentices over and above those taken on by employers. About 500 such apprentices were taken on in 1975 by AnCO and over 800 in 1976. AnCO are prepared to take on a similar number in the present year.

Will the Minister agree that apprentices who do not complete their training, even though they obtain alternative employment, are probably lost to that craft or trade in which they trained? While the Minister stated that there are not sufficient apprentices now, is it not as a result of loss of confidence because of termination of apprenticeships? Would he not agree that there should be some subvention made to employers to enable them to keep those apprentices in employment until they have completed their training?

As I have already explained, the training authority are making provision to continue the training of apprentices who have lost their employment in training, and we are making similar plans in the present year. However, the figures suggest the situation is improving and that the problem is decreasing in its extent compared with last year and the year before. I would also state that the surveys conducted by the training authority suggest that the figures of unemployed apprentices must be treated with some caution, because although figures notified officially to the training authority indicated that a certain number of apprentices have been unemployed, later surveys have shown that the figures were not quite accurate. However, AnCO continue to make such surveys and to make arrangements for apprentices who find themselves out of work.

Is this considered sufficient in the light of the emphasis on job creation?

The job situation is improving.

Can the Minister assure us that the facilities available in the regional technical colleges in relation to apprenticeships will continue to be used?

I think I can give that assurance.

Is the Minister aware that some of those colleges are concerned in this regard and fear that their services will be dispensed with in relation to the training of apprentices?

The training authority would prefer to see more of these courses take place in the various centres. We are expanding the number of centres and are increasing the number of places. The Deputy can rest assured that we will continue to use all the existing personnel in the area of training.

Is there any intention of increasing the amounts of money provided for training in view of the high cost to employers by way of social welfare contributions and so on?

The Deputy is seeking to inject new matter into the question. He is widening the scope of the question.

I would not wish to do that. It is wide enough as it is. I am wondering whether, instead of all the money going to AnCO, some moneys might not be diverted towards the traditional method of training instead of having a situation in which employers, because of the high costs involved, are inhibited in relation to taking on apprentices.

We will continue our policy of encouraging employers to take on a greater number of apprentices than the enterprises concerned would seem to suggest are warranted. Up to now this policy has been successful. We are beginning to witness an upturn once more in relation to the number of apprentices being taken on by employers. I am optimistic in regard to the apprenticeship situation.

Instead of receiving some assistance from the Government in relation to the training of apprentices, employers are being penalised in this respect because of the high costs involved.

It is in the interest of employers and of the economy generally that there is as much training as possible. I do not think anyone can criticise the State's involvement in this area. We have maintained a consistent and steady expansion of apprentice training.

The Minister might at least acknowledge the contribution made by the EEC in this area.