18. (1) An tÚdarás may enter into an agreement under section 17 with An tSeirbhís in relation to the delivery of a system of apprenticeships, having regard to their respective statutory functions.

(2) An agreement under subsection (1) shall provide for the establishment, on an administrative basis, of an Office to be called the National Apprenticeship Office, whose functions shall be to manage, oversee and develop a system of apprenticeships.

(3) The Office referred to in subsection (2) shall have regard to the policies of the Minister in relation to apprenticeships in the performance of the functions assigned to it.

(4) The Minister may, by regulations, prescribe such matters regarding the structure and operation of the Office referred to in subsection (2) as he or she considers necessary or expedient for the proper functioning of that Office.