When will the apprenticeship Bill be introduced? Throughout the country there is a dire need for apprentices to be trained in different areas. The issue needs to be moved on rapidly for our nation to prosper because the more we train, the better it is for people getting back to work.

The Minister will be able to give me a clear answer on the second issue, the energy (miscellaneous provisions) Bill. From what I have heard in recent days and through the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications the Minister told us that he would be approaching the EU to get clearance for rolling out broadband from 16 to 20. Is it true, as I have heard, that has fallen behind? We have nothing from the EU yet and it may take six months which would delay the whole process. Is that correct?

Although it is in my remit, I do not know the particular energy legislation about which the Deputy is speaking, but I will certainly check it for him to see. There is no Bill or actual legislation along the lines he describes. However, I will talk to him afterwards and seek to assist him in that regard.

He is absolutely right about apprenticeships, which are extremely important. Great work is going on. In my area there are new apprentices in Eircom and the ESB. The deadline for receipt of submissions in respect of that process was the end of March and the Minister of State, Deputy English, is hoping to come to the Cabinet some time before the summer. It is critical, very important.