asked the Minister for Labour the steps he intends to take to encourage the greater entry of young women into apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

At my request, FÁS are carrying out a review of apprenticeship and a discussion document on the matter will be published shortly. This will lead to a general debate on the whole area of apprenticeship, including the question of greater participation of women in apprenticeship. Decisions on the future structure of apprenticeship will be made in the light of this debate.

Let me refer to the report prepared by the FÁS sub-committee suggesting that a fixed quota of places ought to be reserved for women apprentices. I think it specifies 10 per cent. What is the Minister's view of that and what is his view generally of the notion of a quota being reserved for female apprentices?

Whatever about the full quota, I am in favour of FÁS wherever they can, where there are FÁS-sponsored apprenticeships, to allocate as many as possible to women. The numbers that are taken up by industry are very low and even the targets we are working to prior to 1992 are extremely low. I am supportive of the proposals, as are FÁS, as I found in my discussions with them, having recommended that where possible, where there is a FÁS sponsored apprenticeship, they should give the opportunity to women.