Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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20. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a disparity in pay exists in the way in which some craft apprentices are supported during their off-the-job phases of training, that is, engineering craft apprentices are paid according to outdated 2016 training allowance rates, while construction craft apprentices receive the updated 2025 rates for the very same level of skill and commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55389/25]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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In Budget 2026, I was pleased to secure a significant €79 million investment for apprenticeship delivery - the largest increase since this Department was founded. In the context of this significant new investment I have requested that the training allowance for apprentices working in the engineering sector are reviewed as a priority, to examine updating the training allowance for this sector, something which has not been done since 2016.

However, it is important to note that this is a complex area. When craft apprentices attend off-the-job training at Education and Training Boards (ETBs) or Higher Education Institutions, they receive a fortnightly State training allowance. The allowance is aligned with industry minimum wage rates agreed through collective bargaining and varies depending on the apprentice’s training phase or year.

The engineering sector has not been able to set wage rates through collective bargaining unlike in the other sectors in which apprentices are employed which are subject to collective bargaining agreements. In the construction sector, wage rates are further underpinned by a sectoral employment order.

The Government is committed to ensuring that apprenticeships are accessible and inclusive.

In addition to the state training allowance, craft apprentices attending phases of off-the-job training in an Education and Training Board (ETB) training centre, Institute of Technology or a Technological University are also entitled to make an application for either travel or accommodation allowances for the duration of the period of off-the-job training.

Targeted financial supports are available to help cover travel, accommodation, and materials costs for learners from underrepresented groups, including members of the Traveller community and young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds entering apprenticeship schemes.