I welcome the opportunity to clarify the position regarding the allocation of funding from the National Training Fund (NTF) surplus under the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025 and its contribution to addressing structural workforce challenges.
In January, I was delighted to sign the Commencement Order for the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025 unlocking €1.5 billion from the NTF surplus over six years to 2030 including €650 million in capital investment to support expanded healthcare and veterinary training facilities, increased PhD stipends and research support and modern infrastructures to deliver world-class skills. This investment will enable the tertiary sector to respond more effectively to workforce and skills needs, ensuring that learners develop their skills in settings that reflect real world industry standards.
I was very clear during the passage of the Act in both Houses that our aim is to provide high-quality skills training through modern flexible spaces and, where necessary, specialised facilities with fit-for-purpose equipment. More importantly, I provided assurances that any capital funding will be used in accordance with statutory purposes of the NTF: to raise skills levels, support lifelong learning, and enable individuals to acquire the skills needed to access and progress in employment.
The remaining portion of the surplus package is directed towards current expenditure supporting upskilling and reskilling, including a €235 million ring-fenced skills package, of which €35 million was provided in Budget 2026. Funding under this package is allocated through bodies such as SOLAS, Skillnet Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and The Wheel, and supports initiatives including Skills to Advance, micro-qualifications, workforce reskilling programmes, and enterprise-aligned lifelong learning provision.
My Department is advancing initiatives to address AI and digital skills needs. Earlier this year, I was pleased to support SOLAS’ rollout of a suite of AI focused micro qualifications at NFQ levels 4 to 6, available nationwide through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Developed with enterprise partners and experts from the research and innovation ecosystem, including ADAPT and Microsoft, these programmes cover areas such as Enhancing Productivity with AI, machine learning fundamentals, ethical AI, data analysis and practical SME use cases, with further expansion planned.
ETBs also deliver a broad range of FET upskilling and reskilling supports for SMEs in AI, digital and sustainability skills. Micro qualifications were specifically designed to address barriers of time and relevance for employers: they are highly subsidised, flexibly delivered, and typically involve around 50 hours of combined tutor led and self-directed learning.
On 23 April, I launched AIReady.ie, a new national online AI skilling platform developed by SOLAS in partnership with the National Skills Council. Initial content focuses on building foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability through four free short courses tailored to older people, small businesses such as sole traders and farmers, and individuals returning to the workforce. The platform was developed by SOLAS, in partnership with the National Skills Council, and is designed to make learning about AI more accessible and inclusive.
Skillnet Ireland continues to deliver AI upskilling at scale through its Business Networks, with more than 50 AI training programmes delivered in 2025, ranging from short introductory courses to an MSc in Artificial Intelligence developed with the University of Limerick, which now has over 400 graduates. Skillnet also delivers specialist AI supports through five dedicated technology focused Networks and the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet AI Capability Accelerator, a practical, coaching led programme for senior leaders. In addition, Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are collaborating on a four-part AI Discovery Webinar Series for SME leaders, with over 350 companies registered, focused on ethical AI adoption, productivity and addressing digital skills gaps.
Eligible employees in the SME sector may also access Springboard+ provision. Springboard+ 2026 offers 7,274 places across 244 programmes, with 90% delivered online or in blended formats. Almost one quarter of places are in digital skills, including 428 places in AI focused programmes from NFQ levels 6 to 9.
