I also raise the shortage of apprentices, which is very important from an educational and economic point of view. It is important to bring the apprenticeship Bill before the House for debate.

As the Deputy is aware, SOLAS is seeking proposals on new areas of apprenticeships. In Ireland we have a very confined number of traditional apprenticeships whereas other countries have a much wider range of apprenticeships. With the establishment of the apprenticeship council, SOLAS and the apprenticeship council are entering discussions and receiving submissions regarding broadening it out. I do not have a date for when that process will be concluded.