I too have been contacted by the Waterford-Wexford ETB. The issue seems to relate to the contract training programme for apprenticeships. My understanding is that previously there was a bid process, known as a funding allocation request to the then Department of Education, based on the number of apprenticeships an ETB would fund and they would get the funding on that basis. Apparently, this year or last year, there was a shift and now there is an allocation as opposed to a bid. There is also an issue due to the fact that so many of the phase 2 classes are being paid phase 4 funding and rates because of Covid. That is one of the differences. I have been told that there is a shortfall of between €40 million and €50 million across all of the ETBs. I have also been told that in the Waterford-Wexford ETB, up to 500 phase 2 apprenticeships may not go ahead in June, as they will not be called. There is very real concern in that regard. In fairness to Waterford-Wexford ETB, the number of apprenticeships has been increased. Some 1,000 apprentices now go through the doors. There is a new unit on the Waterford industrial estate that caters for an additional four phase 2 electrical classes and there is one additional plumbing class. In the Wexford FET, there were four additional electrical classes, one plumbing class and one metal fabrication class. In the Kilcohan training centre, there is an additional electrical class and also a brand new wood manufacturing class. I expect the Minister will agree that all of these are very important. We want more apprenticeships but there seems to be a funding issue, which we are being told about. We are asking for clarity from the Minister. We are being told this could have an impact on some of the classes due to go ahead in the summer, or that will not go ahead, as the case may be. I do not want to see that happen. Deputy Ó Murchú does not want to see it happen. I am sure the Minister does not want to see it happen. We are trying to establish whether there is an issue, what it is, if the Minister is across it and if it will be resolved.

Sentiment score: 0.08

The Minister has acknowledged that a funding pressure has been identified so we know there is an issue. The question then is how it will be resolved. I welcome that the Minister said no class or apprenticeship will be either suspended or cancelled. I have been told by the Waterford-Wexford ETB that many of the phase 2 classes for July have not been called, which could affect up to 500 apprentices. It covers very important trades like carpentry and the other trades and skills we need, for example, to build houses. I welcome what the Minister said, in so far as it goes, but could he perhaps provide more clarity on the situation? He is saying this is not going to have an impact on classes being called, yet I have a note that states no apprenticeship class scheduled for July has been called in the Waterford-Wexford area. How does that square with what he said? Has there been some movement since contact was made with us? If that is the case, that would be fantastic. It would be a step forward. Perhaps the Minister could clarify that.

Sentiment score: 0.08