Apprenticeship Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024

Thursday, 21 March 2024

Questions (328)

Ged Nash

Question:

328. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the work of his Department on the provisions of the National Minimum Wage (Inclusion of Apprentices) Bill 2023 and based on the Government’s decision on a timed amendment to second stage of the Bill in the debate on the Bill in Seanad Éireann on 3 May 2023; if he will set out the next stage in the process of the Government’s consideration of the measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13420/24]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Simon Harris)

In 2023, Government sought a timed amendment for a Private Members Bill to explore bringing apprentices within the scope of the National Minimum Wage Acts.

Following this, the Department for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science has commissioned research regarding apprenticeship pay, and further analysis will be commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Office in coming months.

The Department will engage and consult with social partners and other stakeholders on the results of the commissioned research and analysis.

National minimum wage policy and the National Minimum Wage Acts is the under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.