Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

335. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total cost to the Exchequer of abolishing apprenticeship registration fees broken down by consortia-led and craft; the average cost per apprentices broken down by craft and consortia-led apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28789/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An Annual Student Contribution (ASC) is levied on all students attending Institutes of Technology (IoTs) and Technological Universities.  The amount of ASC charged to apprentices is calculated on a pro rata basis, according to the time which they spend in the institution during the academic year. In cases where training is delivered in an Education and Training Board there is no contribution required from the apprentice.

For craft apprenticeships, the ASC charged is typically one third of the €3,000 ASC paid by students attending for the full academic year and so amounts to approximately €1,000 per apprentice per period spent in the IoT. In the case of consortia-led apprenticeships the contribution varies for each programme as off-the-job training has a more flexible structure, ranging from periods of block release to one day per week or remote learning options. 

Across both craft and consortia led apprenticeships, based on latest figures, if the ASC was removed, with the apprentice paying examination fees only, then the cost to the State is estimated at an average €267 per apprentice per annum. 

The 2021 year-end population of craft apprentices was 20,956 representing a potential annual cost to the Exchequer of €5.6m, and 3,256 consortia-led apprentices representing a potential annual cost to the Exchequer of €0.87m.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

336. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to the Exchequer of providing a minimum allowance for off-the-job training of 294, 336, 378, and 420 respectively for all craft apprentices, increasing all allowance payments below this level while leaving higher allowances at their current rate; the average cost of allowances on a per craft apprentice based on the introduction of these four minimum allowance levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28790/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The information requested by the Deputy on the the estimated cost to the Exchequer of providing defined minimum allowances  for off-the-job training is currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

337. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a ten percent increase in the apprentice travel allowance and accommodation allowance for off-the-job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28791/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The information requested by the Deputy on the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a ten percent increase in the apprentice travel allowance and accommodation allowance for off-the-job training is currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

338. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average annual cost of craft apprentice allowances to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28793/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The information requested by the Deputy on the average annual cost of craft apprentice allowances to the Exchequer is currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.