Apprentice training delays and mastectomy supports
Deputy Mairéad Farrell raises the large backlog of apprentices waiting for off-the-job training and then Deputy Marian Harkin condemns a cut to HSE supports for mastectomy bras, prostheses and swimwear. The Taoiseach says he will follow up on apprenticeship delays and, on the HSE cut, says he has asked staff to investigate because it was not a Government decision.
There are 9,000 apprentices waiting for off-the-job training.
Comment on this
Okay. I am sorry, I thought the Deputy had raised something else. It is not the amount they are paid but the numbers waiting for their training. I will follow that up with the Minister, Deputy Harris. Obviously, we are keen to get as many apprentices through as possible because they are pretty desperately needed, particularly in construction.
With regard to Deputy Harkin's question, that was not a Government decision. I only became aware of it, I think, yesterday, so I have asked my staff to look into it. Maybe there is a good reason but I would love to know what it is, quite frankly. I do not support that kind of penny-pinching, particularly when it involves people who are recovering from cancer.