Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)

Every housing target and every infrastructure project in the country depends on a skilled workforce. Instead of opening the doors and making the apprenticeship system much more attractive we are actually going in the opposite direction. I believe apprentices are treated like second-class citizens in that third level space. There is a significant lack of capacity and this is causing significant delays. The contribution fee has actually increased this year. Phase 4 apprenticeships starting in January will be hit with an almost €1,000 fee. These are students who are working below minimum wage and with significant costs for tools and vans for getting to work. They do not avail of SUSI grants either. I ask the Tánaiste to start prioritising the apprenticeship system. It is crucially important. There is a skills shortage in the country. I speak to builders all the time and they fear five, ten or 15 years down the line. I ask the Tánaiste to start prioritising apprenticeships and reinsert the support that was at 33% last year.

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