National Minimum Wage (Inclusion of Young Persons, Apprentices and Interns) Bill 2025: Second Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2025-12-17
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Joanne Collins (SF), Agricultural Panel

I echo the show of appreciation to my colleagues beside me for introducing this important Bill in the House.
I am going to focus on the apprenticeship side of this Bill. Apprentices are the backbone of our economy and, in many respects, the backbone of rural Ireland. They are the electricians, plumbers, carpenters and mechanics we depend on to build homes, maintain infrastructure and sustain local communities. Too often, though, they are expected to survive on wages that do not reflect either the value of their work or the cost-of-living crisis. This is felt most acutely in rural Ireland.
Apprentices frequently have no choice but to travel long distances for work and training. They are being hit at every corner by rising fuel costs, increased transport expenses and higher everyday living costs. For many, these pressures make apprenticeships financially unviable, forcing talented young people out of trades we desperately need or, even worse, to emigrate abroad. Sinn Féin has always been clear: we support measures that improve pay and conditions for workers. Paying apprentices fairly is not only a matter of equality and dignity. It is essential if we are serious about addressing skill shortages and delivering the housing and infrastructure the country desperately needs.
At the same time, we recognise that this must be done responsibly. Any changes must be accompanied by appropriate interventions to support the employers, particularly the small and medium enterprises, so that apprentices are not unfairly dismissed or passed over as a result of improved pay and protections. Fairness for workers must go hand in hand with sustainable employment.
Ultimately, this Bill moves us toward an Ireland that works for all. If we value apprentices as workers, invest in them properly and support employers through the transition, we can build a fairer economy and stronger rural communities. It is stark to hear that 20%, if not more, of our young apprentices leave their trade before they are fully qualified. I find it a bit depressing and hypocritical to hear Senators on the other side of the House say we do not need to pay them and then, on the other hand, they say they will do everything possible to get us out of the housing crisis. However, they are not going to pay the workers who will get us out of this housing crisis. That does not make any sense. Well done to my colleagues for bringing this forward. I hope the Senators opposite listen to my colleagues on this side and stand up for what they should be standing up for.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-12-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:28+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-17