asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a painting contractor (name supplied) has been refused permission to employ a third apprentice even though one of his apprentices was on his fourth year of apprenticeship; and if he will consider introducing legislation to reduce the average number of skilled workers required to be employed in order to entitle an employer to employ an additional apprentice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Apprentices.
Apprenticeship in the housepainting and decorating trade is regulated by an apprenticeship committee established under the Apprenticeship Act, 1931. This committee is composed of equal numbers of representatives of workers and employers, and two independent members, including the chairman. It was to the committee that the application mentioned to the Deputy was made.
The committee has made a rule setting out the ratio of apprentices to skilled workers in this trade and unless this ratio is observed permission is not given by the committee for the employment of an additional apprentice. Fresh legislation would not be required to effect an amendment of a rule of this kind; but the initiative in promoting an amendment would have to come from the apprenticeship committee.