asked the Minister for Labour if there has been a change of policy by AnCO, in relation to the use of regional technical colleges for training purposes; if so, why the change was made; if sections of some colleges, specially built for training purposes, are unused at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There has been no change of policy by AnCO in relation to the use of regional technical colleges for training purposes. It continues to be AnCO's policy in consultation with the Department of Education to use whatever appropriate facilities are available in the educational sector. Indeed at present discussions are taking place between AnCO and my Department and the Department of Education in this regard.

Is the Minister aware of reports that a special section was built in the regional technical college in Waterford for the purpose of training and is now lying unused?

I am aware that statements have been made by various interested groups in the educational sector to the effect that there are spare facilities in some regional technical colleges but the Department of Education have not made any statement to this effect. I would also like to give the Deputy an idea about some of the uses presently being made of facilities in the vocational schools and colleges: for example, the provision of courses of technical education for about 10,000 apprentices each year either on day release or block release courses; fulltime off-the-job training for about 72 apprentices in the following colleges—the College of Technology, Bolton Street, Moyross Technical College, Limerick, Letterkenny Regional Technical College and Cork Regional Technical College, all providing special courses for apprentices on a block release basis for apprentices who become unemployed or redundant, together with the provision of special courses aimed at career orientation for young persons who have left school and are seeking their first job.

The Minister did not mention Waterford which was the specific one I mentioned. Has there been any change in plan in relation to the use of the regional technical college in Waterford?

As I stated, there has been no change. I am aware various groups have stated there are spare training facilities in some technical colleges but the Department of Education have not made any such statement and, I said, discussions are currently taking place in this whole area.

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