Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein)
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At the end of his presentation Dr. Rigney challenged the employers on pay rates. I want to develop that point further. Does he have evidence, anecdotal or something better than it, of companies that would try to utilise work permits to keep wages low, rather than engaging with their existing workforce? I want to gain a better understanding of the matter. Does ICTU have evidence, experience or concerns in that regard? Dr. Rigney might develop the point further.

My second question is related to apprenticeships. In its submission IDA Ireland points to the need for a greater level of integration with the further and higher education sector. It uses the words "alignment" and "integration". Dr. Rigney might also comment on that matter further, on which he touched on it in his presentation. Does he believe the institutes of technology and the universities are appropriately aligned? He spoke about the importance to an apprentice, while their serving his or her time, of graduating through the various stages of academia and learning. Will Dr. Rigney give us more detail?