Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2011
169 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to amend some of the pay structures of the FÁS apprenticeship scheme to take into account persons with families who have gone back to do apprenticeships in view of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24761/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pay structure for apprentices is a matter for Industry. My Department understands from FÁS that registered apprentices are paid the agreed industry apprentice wage rate by the relevant employer and that the actual rate paid may vary depending on the occupation and employer. All registered apprentices who are scheduled to attend off-the-job training in a FÁS Training Centre or Institute of Technology or College of Further Education are paid a FÁS training allowance which is calculated with reference to the gross Industry Wage Norm for the different trade sectors.
All registered apprentices are also paid a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs by FÁS based on existing eligibility criteria.
I understand that FÁS has no plans at present to amend the existing training allowances for apprentices.
