Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy Buckley for giving me an opportunity to set out my Department's view. In summary, while apprentices are excluded from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, as the Deputy mentioned, it is nonetheless important that they are supported financially for the duration of their training. The Deputy made that point very clearly and I am aware of it.

Recognising the importance of meeting Government apprenticeship registration objectives, as set out in the action plan for apprenticeship, and the possible implications of this matter for the recruitment and retention of apprentices, I assure the Deputy that the Department is engaging with partners to examine this issue comprehensively.

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