Mr. Diarmaid Smyth:

The Deputy asked a couple questions. I will probably annoy everyone by saying this will be in the economic impact assessment, but it is one of the reasons we need this study, to do a deep dive into what effects these youth rates might have on specific sectors. We are aware, and I think it is in the Low Pay Commission’s reports, that the instance of low pay or workers on the minimum wage is higher in the very sectors the Deputy mentioned: accommodation and food, wholesale and retail. We hear there are pressures on the cost space in those sectors. I will point out, though, that employment in those sectors is up since before Covid and 2019, although over the past year, we have seen signs, perhaps, of a slowdown in those sectors. We are certainly aware that these are typically labour-intensive sectors where students and low-paid workers tend to get their first experience. We are cognisant of the pressures in those sectors. It is something we will be looking to see more of in the economic assessment report.

On the level of apprenticeships, does Ms Pyke have anything from the-----