Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Mairéad Farrell TD, has said that Budget 2025 has already proved a disappointment for apprentices.

Deputy Farrell said that, despite all the hype, and a record government surplus, for apprentices struggling with the cost of living, there is little in it for them.

Teachta Farrell said:

“The government has provided a large allocation for the apprentice system, but little it seems for the craft apprentices themselves. It will be interesting to see how much of this was unspent money from last year.

“Despite stating they are allocating €78m for the apprenticeship system, craft apprentices are only getting a 33% reduction in the cost of their fees.

“Most craft apprentices start off on below minimum wage rates, some as low as around €7 an hour. The average age of a starting apprentice is now around 21 years of age. How can anyone survive on that?

“I have spoken to apprentices who have children and they have extreme difficulty making ends meet. It’s why the dropout rates are so high.

“These are the people we need to be building our homes but for the government they are an afterthought.

“That is why we proposed the complete abolishment of craft fees. We have also proposed increasing their allowances by 50%.

“We also have a specific measure to increase the number of craft instructors in the system by providing them with a special allowance.

“The government says they are allocating a significant amount toward the apprenticeship system, but we need to see the details on how this money is going to be spent.

“Because it seems clear the apprentices themselves are not going to be the main beneficiaries.”