To follow on from Deputy Murphy's point, one of the biggest obstacles to solving the housing crisis and the chronic deficits in infrastructure in this country is the lack of skilled tradespeople. We are making it difficult for young people to qualify in these areas by allowing these abysmally low rates for apprentices, particularly in the first and second years of their apprenticeships. These rates are just over €7 and just over €11 respectively, both of which are below the minimum wage. This means that apprentices are dropping out, often to work in fast food chains. They are not doing this because they want to but because the pay levels are so low. It also sends the message to our young people, which many of them are unfortunately acting on, that we do not really value their work at all. They are leaving. Huge numbers of people who want to work in the area of construction and to take on these trades are just leaving the country, even if they do qualify, because they do not feel valued. It is absolutely inexplicable that we expect apprentices to accept this. The average age of an apprentice is 23. Many of them have to pay rent and have children, relationships and lives but, in their first year, they are expected to live on about half of a living wage and less than the minimum wage. It is inexplicable. There are also lower rates of social protection for younger people. We are sending the message that we do not care and that we do not value our young people. It is no wonder that many of them are leaving the country. This is a minimal step that says young people, including those doing apprenticeships, should not be paid less than the minimum wage. The minimum wage should be a legal right and entitlement.

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