The programme for Government commits to doubling the number of apprenticeships nationwide by 2020. On that basis, given the importance of apprenticeships for creating jobs and retraining for jobs in the north west, can the Minister advise me as to the progress being made, and what sectors in particular are being identified.

Huge progress is being made. Sligo has probably lead the field in that the Sligo Institute of Technology introduced an online delivery of apprenticeships for people working in the insurance sector. It shows what can be done in the area of apprenticeships. It is a level 8 apprenticeship. We are on track to achieve those targets. There will be 1,400 additional apprenticeships this year, and that will match an increase from last year. There have been 77 new applications for new apprenticeships. We will role out another 13 this year. There has been real progress in this area, which commands support right across the House. The development of apprenticeships as an alternative for many people is far more developed in other countries than in our own.