Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
977. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there will be an increase of funding from the National Training Fund for training grants to industry from the current amount of €6,500 since 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32590/25]
View answerMy Department provides funding from the National Training Fund (NTF) to support the Training Grants to Industry scheme, delivered through Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. The scheme enables businesses to respond to evolving workforce development needs through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
In 2025, €3.5 million from the NTF is allocated to Enterprise Ireland for management development and training for Irish enterprises, while €3 million is allocated to IDA Ireland to support training grants for FDI companies, helping address skills gaps and maintain global competitiveness.
It is important to note that any increase in NTF expenditure, all other things being equal and without a corresponding reduction on the Vote, requires an increase in the Department’s and the overall Government expenditure ceilings. In addition, as the Deputy will appreciate, decisions on budget allocations will be made in the context of Government decision-making on the fiscal and expenditure framework for 2026, consistent with the budgetary and Estimates process to be agreed by Government in the coming weeks.
