This morning, as Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I launched a report on the role of apprenticeships and work permits in addressing Ireland's skill needs. A strong political skill set is vital for the economic health of the country as we approach full employment. However, there is a deep concern I would like to raise with the Minister. There are 14,953 apprentices in Ireland. The figure has grown substantially in the last three years, which is welcome. However, only 2%, or 332, of these are female. This is a deeply concerning statistic and a cross-departmental focus is required across the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department of Education and Skills to deliver this. Does the Minister have concerns about the low level of female participation and would he agree that maybe a targeted campaign in transition year would be effective in order that apprentices and apprenticeships are associated with qualifications at levels 6, 7 and 8 and higher?

I am acutely concerned about this issue and it is one with which I am familiar. That 2% is a significant improvement, which is hard to believe. The truth is that we need to develop apprenticeships in a range of new areas. The Deputy will be aware that there are over 16 new areas and what is encouraging is that female participation in the new apprenticeship areas is significantly higher. There is a determined effort, both by SOLAS and by the Department of Education and Skills, to have better pathways into apprenticeships. As we review the leaving certificate approach and carry out that curricular review, the place of apprenticeships and the high standing in which they are held in most other European countries should be at the core of those changes because, like the Deputy, I think this is a valuable way of learning in a practical environment.