Written Answers No. 389-392
389. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to adequately support those undertaking apprenticeships (details supplied) in line with the programme for Government’s commitments regarding apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36784/25]
View answerThe current Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025 is under review, and preparations are underway to engage stakeholders in shaping the next plan, which will cover the years 2026–2030. A key focus of this upcoming plan will be the development of an Integrated Apprenticeship System, which will include considerations of matters you have raised.
It is important to note that neither SOLAS nor the Department is responsible for setting apprentice wages. Craft apprentices are employed directly by their employers during the “on-the-job” phases of their training, and their wages are determined through collective bargaining within each sector. In the cases of the construction sector, these wages are supported by a sectoral employment order, the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2023 which came into effect on 18 September 2023.
The SEO sets the minimum hourly rates for workers, but this does not prevent an employer paying a higher rate of pay than defined in the SEO.
The current construction sector apprentice hourly pay rates as set out in the SEO are €7.41 in year 1; €11.12 in year 2, €16.68 in year 3, and €20.02 in year 4.
It is important to recognise that a craft apprenticeship leads to a highly respected and internationally recognised qualification. It prepares young people and career changers for a well-paid and stable career. The Central Statistics Office reported recently that an apprentice who qualified in 2020 was earning a median weekly wage of €950 two years later.
For the 52 consortia-led apprenticeship programmes, a different wage setting mechanism is in place and wages are agreed upon between the apprentice and employer as part of their employment contract.
Under current legislation, minimum wage laws—which fall under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment—do not apply to apprentices as defined under the Industrial Training Act, 1967, or the Labour Services Act, 1987.
When apprentices attend “off-the-job” training at Education and Training Boards (ETBs) or Higher Education Institutions, they receive a fortnightly State training allowance. This allowance is not considered a wage, and there is no employment contract between SOLAS and the apprentice during this time. The allowance is aligned with industry wage norms and varies depending on the apprentice’s training phase or year.
As apprenticeship programmes are national in scope, SOLAS aims to schedule off-the-job training as close as possible to an apprentice’s home. However, if a nearby placement isn’t available, the apprentice may be assigned to the next closest location.
Six to thirteen weeks before training begins, both the apprentice and their employer receive a letter from the ETB with details of the assigned training location. This scheduling is coordinated by SOLAS and the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) to ensure timely progression through the programme.
Apprentices and employers have seven working days from the date of the letter to confirm attendance. If they decline, the place is offered to the next person on the national waiting list. Apprentices may decline up to three offers and still remain eligible for future scheduling. To do so, they should contact their Training Advisor, who provides ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship.
While not all programmes are available in every ETB or Technical University, apprentices are informed during induction that they may need to travel for certain training phases. If travel is required, accommodation allowances are available, along with supplementary allowances for travel or meals. Please note that only one of these—either accommodation or travel—is payable at a time.
390. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the lower rate of student contribution fees as applied over the last few years will be applicable for the forthcoming academic year, taking into account the serious costs associated with higher education and financial pressures on students and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36896/25]
View answer391. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that will be introduced to reduce the costs of further and higher education for students and their families, taking into account increased costs of living over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36897/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
I am acutely conscious of the financial challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education. I am committed to easing this burden for students and their families in a financially sustainable way.
Almost all full-time undergraduate students have their tuition fees paid in full by the State through the Free Fees Initiative; additionally, almost half of all students have their Student Contribution Fee paid in full or in part by the State. In addition, a variety of supports are available through SUSI.
The base rate for the student contribution remains at €3,000 and this is paid by free fees eligible students when attending Higher Education Institutions, with many benefiting from a subvention in whole or in part from SUSI, depending on their eligibility, as set out above.
In recent years, a once-off €1,000 reduction to this contribution has been provided for as part of cost-of-living packages for students over the last three budgets. I am keen to continue supporting measures however it has been confirmed in recent weeks that no “cost of living” ancillary package will be provided from central government in the current year. On that basis, I need to look at various policy options available to me ahead of Budget 2026.
I hosted a cost of education event in early April to better inform the decisions on this issue and to meet with representative groups. This event was attended by key stakeholders from the tertiary education sector. The event served as an opportunity for all to have their say on the key cost of education issues.
The Programme for Government commits to reducing the student contribution in a financially sustainable manner over the lifetime of this Government. I fully intend to progress this, starting from the base figure of €3,000 and advancing measures to reduce that over time in a way that is equitable, funded, and fair, and less reliant on temporary subventions which, whilst providing welcome relief, remain uncertain from year to year.
Ahead of Budget 2026, I will publish an options paper, which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education. This paper will inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2026.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be a key consideration for me as part of Budget negotiations.
392. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason those in a certain programme at a higher level institute (details supplied) were previously funded for two years but those starting in September 2025 will only have one year. [36918/25]
View answerThe programmes in question are supported under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Strand 4 Phase 2 pilot initiative.
Phase 2 is a three-year pathfinding pilot with the dual objectives of supporting an enhancement of course provision for students with intellectual disabilities and informing future policy considerations for students with intellectual disabilities. Over €11 million has been allocated to 11 institutions to implement and evaluate pilot initiatives.
The conditions of funding for PATH 4 Phase 2 are clearly set out in the Call of Proposals, which was published and shared with HEIs in June of 2023. It includes the following clauses:
• Funding under PATH 4 Phase 2 is for a maximum of three years and all funding must be spent by 30 September 2026.
• HEIs awarded funds under Phase 2 will be expected to commence work towards additional provision in Semester 2 of 2023/24 academic year and project implementation fully in place for the 2024/25 academic year.
These conditions are also clearly set out in the Letter of Allocation of funding that was sent to the HEI in question on 19 February 2024. The President of the HEI signed an Allocation Acceptance Form, indicating agreement to comply with these conditions, on 28 February 2024.
Upon conclusion of the Pathfinding Phase an evaluation of the pilot will be completed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
