Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Apprenticeship Council of Ireland examined this and introduced the concept of a much shorter apprenticeship. The traditional model was a four-year apprenticeship with considerable periods. It has been shortened, with a shorter period in which the employer would pay. At this stage we have not considered employer incentives. The employers recognise that such positions must be regarded as employment posts and they must meet national minimum wage and other criteria. The State would provide the training element. The biggest contribution we can make is to streamline the concept of a new apprenticeship to get it through the various curricular developments, quality assurance, approvals and support the employers in providing an environment in which an apprenticeship can be delivered and apprentices can get through. That is instead of a financial incentive. I am open to discussing this. We have not set aside money for providing incentives. This should be a quality programme and, like other countries, employers should support this approach.

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