Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
261. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the criteria that will be used to prioritise institutions for capital investment under the national training fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67835/25]
View answerMy Department has secured €650m NTF funding package for the tertiary sector over the period 2025 to 2030. In line with the purposes of the National Training Funding this capital funding will be used in programmes/initiatives that raise the skills of those in employment, or to provide training to those who wish to acquire skills for the purposes of taking up employment, or to provide information in relation to existing, or likely future, requirements for skills in the economy.
Plans are in place to target the strengthening of training capacity in key skills areas such as healthcare, veterinary skills, apprenticeships and further education. NTF capital will also enhance research capacity through an increase in PhD stipends, ensuring Ireland remains competitive in attracting and developing research talent. It will also enable a major new specialist equipment programme for the further education and training (FET) sector. This initiative will deliver investment in innovative kit, equipment, and technology to align with current and emerging skills needs, and will strengthen specialist skills provision in six priority areas, construction, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, hospitality and the experience economy, and the green transition.
My Department will allocate NTF funding to institutions in line with the objectives of the fund, and through capital programmes/initiatives. Accordingly, the criteria used to assess and approve investment proposals will be aligned with these objectives and national skills priorities. In assessing proposals, my Department will prioritise initiatives/programmes that enable:
• Upskilling reskilling and enhancing areas experiencing skills shortages;
• Enhanced productivity and adaptability within the workforce to support economic growth and competitiveness;
• Promotion of continuous professional development and lifelong learning to ensure workers remain relevant in rapidly changing sectors.
