Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2609. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship registrations in the construction sector, by type in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1632/26]
View answerSince my department was established in 2020, government investment in apprenticeship delivery has more than doubled, from €184 million in 2020 to over €410 million in 2026. This record investment has supported significant growth in registrations for construction and construction-related apprenticeships, which have risen by 67%, rising from 3,813 in 2020 to 6,362 in 2025.
The attached tables set out the number of apprenticeship registrations for construction and construction related apprenticeship programmes, in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form.
“Construction” apprenticeships typically involve hands-on training in construction environments, whereas “construction-related” apprenticeships can cover a broader range of roles that support the industry, such as office-based, managerial, technical, or design positions.
Construction and construction-related apprenticeships are and will continue to be central to supporting and delivering key government initiatives and priorities, including those related to infrastructure development, housing and the Climate Action Plan.
I am determined that the significant progress in growing and developing Ireland's apprenticeship system will continue. This year, the Government will publish a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship for the period 2026–2030. A Programme for Government commitment, the Action Plan will set a headline target of 12,500 annual registrations by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction-related areas. On 19 December, Minister Harkin and I launched a public consultation on the new Action Plan, which will remain open until 16 February. I invite all interested parties to participate - the consultation is available on the Gov.ie website under the consultation section.
