Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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441. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive an apprentice incentive scheme payment for two trainees they have employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33391/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme (AIS) was introduced in July 2020 to support employers during the COVID-19 period.  It provides an employer grant totalling €3,000 per new apprentice registered. This comprises an initial €2,000 payment on registration followed by a further €1,000 payment after the first year's employment where that apprentice is retained.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to whether an organisation in County Kerry will receive an apprentice incentive scheme payment for two trainees they have employed is currently being collated by SOLAS and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Based on the information provided it would appear the company has not submitted an application for the apprenticeship incentivisation scheme. If they are a registered employer of apprentices their SOLAS employer registration number for apprenticeship would be required to validate the status. There is a also a reference to trainees, clarification is required as to whether this means apprentices registered on a national apprenticeship programme.