1305. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details regarding rates of pay or training allowances for apprentices from SOLAS (details supplied); if he is aware of an issue regarding proposed pay increases which have not been delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44212/24]

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.