Meeting on off-the-job training reductions
Mitchell asks whether the Minister has been asked to meet apprentice representatives about reduced off-the-job training and whether he would meet them. The Minister has received no formal request but says he will consider one and that discussions on the wider issue are underway.
asked the Minister for Labour if any request has been made to him to meet the apprentices' sub-committee of the Students Union of the College of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin, or of any other such college, to discuss the reduction in off-the-job training introduced by AnCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
I have not received a request as such from the apprentice sub-committee of the USI at the College of Technology, Kevin Street, or of any other college to meet me in connection with the training of apprentices.
Comment on this
The Minister will always consider any request from a group with a problem. I am aware of the comments made and of certain concerns in the area, and I want to assure the Deputy that this whole question relates to some of the earlier points raised. This question is being discussed by the Department of Education, my officers and AnCO. I am optimistic that a satisfactory decision will be reached shortly.