Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
54. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the progress towards the PfG target of 12,500 annual apprenticeship registrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55565/25]
View answerI am very pleased that €79 million was invested in apprenticeship delivery in Budget 2026, bringing the total current budget for apprenticeship to over €410 million. This is an increase of over 120% in apprenticeship funding since 2020. More than doubling investment in apprenticeship since 2020 is a clear, concrete demonstration of the Government’s commitment to achieving our apprenticeship registration targets.
Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown strongly in recent years from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024. This 51% increase provides a strong foundation for achieving the target of 12,500 annual apprentice registrations by the end of 2030.
