I welcome the action plan to expand apprenticeships and traineeships in the period from 2016 to 2020. I attended the launch of the document this morning with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, and the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy John Halligan, and it was a very positive event. During the recession the number of apprenticeships declined by more than 80%. Third level education is not suitable for everyone. The State agencies, in co-operation with institutes of education and employers, must make this programme a success. In 2016 the number of new apprenticeships was relatively low, at only 3,500. The figure prior to the recession was 80% higher.

There are 27 apprenticeships throughout the country, whereas in Germany there are more than 300 apprenticeships and traineeships on offer. We do not all have to be an apprentice. We also have many training centres throughout the country. There will be 50,000 apprenticeships by 2020 and an additional €20 million was provided for 2017. We also have the ambitious target of creating an extra 13 new apprenticeships by the end of the year, which is to be welcomed. It is something which affects every county. SOLAS and the education and training boards run training centres throughout the country. This is a very positive step because it is about getting people back into employment.