188 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Education if she will support the designation of Davis College, Mallow, County Cork as a centre for stage four of the new apprenticeship system in relation to motor mechanics; and if she will ensure the provision of a new school building for this college. [3820/97]

The County Cork Vocational Education Committee has been providing in a very effective way day release courses for motor car engineering apprentices in its second level school, Davis College, in Mallow for many years.

Under the new "standards-based" apprenticeship system, which was developed under PESP and the Programme for a Partnership (PPG) Government 1993-97 and is being implemented on a phased basis, all day release courses will be discontinued and will be replaced by block release courses.