Budget 2026 (Enterprise, Tourism and Employment): Statements
Seanad Éireann — 2025-10-14
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Aidan Davitt (FF), Industrial and Commercial Panel

I am delighted to welcome the Minister to the House. It is a testament to how hard-working he is that all of the people who have spoken have commented on well he has done in his brief since he started. He should keep up the good work.
I have some queries and a question on the local front. I refer to apprenticeship schemes. It is not under the Minister's brief, but he is dealing with business and getting people into work. One of the biggest problems we have now is getting qualified staff for many jobs. As the Minister is aware, we are providing waivers and permits to bring people into the country.
Regarding auctioneering, there is a one-off grant per year when somebody starts – I believe the figure is €3,000 and was originally €1,000. We are treated very differently from the wet trades, such as block layers, plasterers, electricians or whatever else. Such apprentices are subsidised by the State, but that does not happen in our industry. An auctioneer sends somebody off to college one day a week and does not have them working for them, yet is paying them the entire time. They are paid the minimal wage and whatever else. People starting off find it tough. A hell of a lot of schemes are in the same boat. There are banking and insurance apprenticeships, as the Minister is aware. Perhaps when he is around the Cabinet table it would be worth discussing. A change would help and encourage more people to take on more apprentices.
I refer to auto enrolment. In fairness, the Minister understands the pressures businesses face as regards the minimum wage and auto enrolment. He is doing his bit regarding the hospitality industry, as has been discussed. I know a little about the industry and I know it is not that easy at present to get companies to play ball. They do not want to know about auto enrolment or pension schemes. Some businesses only have one or two employees. It is a problem for them. Getting people signed up and organised is a hassle. The amount of time involved is considerable, in particular for people who have no background in this. There should be a small grant or some sort of one-off allowance in next year's budget to assist people, in particular smaller businesses that are trying to establish themselves. Larger companies often have someone experienced in pensions and investment working in them and their own pension scheme or whatever else, but many smaller companies do not have a clue what is going on. I am sure the Minister is well aware of this. He is from that background and I am sure he is receiving these sorts of queries.
Senator Scahill mentioned the far side of the River Shannon and guys who think they are in Athlone. He referred to Novo Nordisk. I am sure anybody in Athlone who asks is told there is only one reason those jobs are there, namely, the Minister. There is no doubt about that. We would not have to ask the Minister twice. It was a coup and it is to be hoped the ship has sailed and there will be no further jobs lost because they are very good high-paying jobs in Athlone. They have been a great help to both counties straddling the River Shannon.
On a local note, there have been announcements and some things are in the pipeline regarding local jobs. The Minister might give us a brief outline of what is going on locally, if he does not mind.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-10-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:13+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-10-14