Call for minimum wage for apprentices

The minimum wage (€12.70) should to be paid to construction apprentices.

Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) made the call at the May meeting of Cavan County Council. He highlighted that their current rate of pay is €7.50 per hour.

He told those gathered that he wanted the local authority to write to the Minister so their concerns over the matter could be raised.

Fine Gael's Carmel Brady supported the motion and highlighted how “an extra few pounds” in their pockets would be essential.

“I know Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board (ETB) is doing a lot of work in this area at the moment,” she added.

Meanwhile, Cllr Aiden Fitzpatrick (FF) brought the discussion to a close after adding: “They should of course be paid the minimum wage. There are employers out there getting away with a lot of stuff and people are afraid to stand up and say anything, so I would agree that the minimum wage of €12.70 be introduced.”