Thomas Gould
Question:69. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has considered an increase to the apprentice pay rates given the rising cost of living. [36772/22]
View answerThursday, 7 July 2022
Questions (69)
Written answers
Apprentices are primarily employees and all of the 65 apprenticeships are subject to a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer. On that basis any review of those rates currently payable is a matter for negotiation and agreement under the appropriate industrial relations structures in place and it would not be appropriate for me to be involved in the determination of apprenticeship pay or training rates. However, it is important to note that as employees, eligible apprentices are also entitled to access general employment supports through the social welfare system. This option is open to any employee, apprentice or not, who finds themselves in difficulty. There are allowances paid to apprentices and we are examining these in the context of the upcoming Estimates process.