Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
782. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to enhance and expand apprenticeships during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73567/25]
View answerMy Department remains firmly committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities as a central part of Ireland’s skills strategy. The Government invested €79 million through Budget 2026, bringing the total apprenticeship budget to over €410 million, more than double the level in 2020. In addition, I recently announced €20.5 million to fund the delivery of 99 craft training blocks and 8 consortium-led equipment projects, creating almost 1,600 additional apprenticeship places, many in construction-related trades.
The range of programmes has grown significantly, increasing from 54 in 2020 to 78 by the end of 2025. These now include areas such as Digital Marketing, Wind Turbine Maintenance, and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. In October, I launched the Level 8 Accounting Technologist apprenticeship alongside the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Minister Lawless, and the Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland. This is the first apprenticeship developed on an all-island basis, and it was designed specifically to respond to the impact of digitisation on the accounting profession. Building on this progress, next year I will launch the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026–2030, setting a target to increase annual apprentice registrations from 9,352 in 2024 to 12,500 by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction-related areas. My department will also continue to promote the value and visibility of apprenticeships through initiatives such as WorldSkills Ireland and the annual Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year awards.
