David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now in a different position because the sector is extremely buoyant. I understand there are many vacancies in it at the moment, which would lead one to conclude that most employers will exceed the minimum rates to hold on to workers. There is competition between employers at present. I am curious as to whether there is any information on this.

The Minister of State mentioned apprentices. Many apprentices do not stay the course. They start their training but, for whatever reason, leave after a certain period. I am not sure whether the Minister of State has any up-to-date figures on this. It is quite concerning.

I note that the SEO covers minimum rates, but if apprentices are to be retained they should be paid more. Employers tell me that when apprentices are on block release, they are not actually working or producing in the workplace. It was suggested that the National Training Fund might be used in this case. Maybe this is something that the Government will consider in the future.

I look at this matter from both the side of apprentices and the side of employers. Where employers are paying apprentices’ wages while the latter are on block release, those employers are not getting any work done for it. However, apprentices with a mixture of training and work are training while they are working. This might need some attention next time round. Again, I am not sure whether the Minister of State has any figures with respect to the number of apprentices who drop out each year.