Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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272. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be made available to activate the apprenticeship increase payment that was agreed for introduction from 1 July 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41703/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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With reference to PQ 41545/24 which is believed to relate to the same matter.

For the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes including for the motor mechanic programme, the sectoral gross wage norms are either agreed within the relevant sector through collective bargaining agreements, or are set out in legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders recommended by the Labour Court.

Periods of off-the-job training are funded from the National Training Fund with payments made directly to craft apprentices by the education and training boards. Training allowances for apprentices are calculated with reference to gross-wage norms payable in industry for the different trade sectors.

The State Allowance for motor mechanic apprentices is currently under review by my Department and SOLAS and I hope to have further information shortly.