Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Mairéad Farrell TD, has warned “scandalous” backlogs for apprentices’ training must be urgently addressed.

Figures show just under 9,000 apprentices are currently waiting for off-the-job training. Of these, almost 4,000 have been waiting for more than 6 months.

Teachta Farrell said:

“These delays are scandalous and totally unacceptable. I am regularly contacted by apprentices who are deeply anxious and distressed by these delays. They are left in limbo and feel badly let down by government.

“Apprentices are crucial to the Irish economy and ensuring homes can be built. Failing to support them is yet another sign of the government’s short sighted and chaotic inability to plan for the future and deliver affordable homes. We are in the middle of a housing crisis and government should be doing everything possible to ensure homes can be built.

“Several apprentices have told me that they fear they will have no option but to emigrate due to these delays. 

“Meanwhile, we have a Higher Education Minister who is asleep at the wheel. Minister Harris seems intent on focusing on glossy PR launches and re-announcements of existing schemes to get headlines. He should focus less on his own spin and open his eyes to the reality that apprentices are facing.

“I have repeatedly raised this issue with Minister Harris and will continue to outline the need for urgent action. A Sinn Féin government would stand up for apprentices and end the scandal of these unacceptable delays.”