Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is the Minister of State really telling me that the situation is worse than it was in May? We are now at the level of 10,000 apprentices waiting for phases 2, 4 and 6. I am quite shocked at that. I understand the Minister of State said that things will be fixed in the autumn, but this is like saying we will all have jam tomorrow. While I know there is not enough time here today, I would like to see a very detailed plan for the autumn in that regard. This has serious implications for their education and income. Through no fault of their own, many apprentices will be trapped on apprentice wages for years longer than they should be, despite the amazing efforts of administrators and teaching staff across the country. Apprentices are being let down and we need to address this. I am quite shocked at those figures. I have been in contact with numerous apprentices who have been unable to access the off-the-job training to complete and advance their apprenticeships. It is quite shocking that the here and now is not being dealt with.

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