What is the status of the apprenticeship Bill, bearing in mind the current shortage of apprentices? We need to modernise our apprenticeship system for sound economic and educational reasons and to provide simulated apprenticeships in particular areas. During his visit to Cavan-Monaghan last week the Taoiseach will have seen how the ETB there has adjusted to the modern situation in terms of providing training and apprenticeships.

The Deputy has made his point.

This legislation is very important from an education and economic point of view. I am anxious to see it progressed.

The Deputy is correct that I saw first-hand the work being done by the Cavan-Monaghan ETB. The Minister of State, Deputy English, expects to receive proposals by the end of March on new ways of addressing apprenticeship requirements, which evolve on an ongoing basis because of the nature of industry and business. On receipt of the proposals, the Minister, Deputy English, will bring them to Government and this House for debate.