Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
906. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on his Department’s commissioned research into the landscape of apprentice pay; to ask when he expects this final report to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56984/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra907. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update from SOLAS regarding The National Apprenticeship Office’s commissioning of an independent economic assessment to incentivise participation in national apprenticeships by both employers and apprentices, drawing on international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56985/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 906 and 907 together.
The Government is strongly committed to growing and strengthening Ireland’s apprenticeship system, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. This commitment is already delivering results: supported by sustained investment, the system has seen significant growth in recent years. Annual craft apprenticeship registrations have increased from 4,377 in 2020 to 7,113 in 2024, while consortia-led registrations have more than doubled, from 949 to 2,239.
Building on this momentum, I am committed to further growing apprenticeship opportunities in the next Action Plan for Apprenticeship which is planned for publication in 2026, with a target of reaching 12,500 total craft and non-craft annual registrations by 2030. Achieving this ambition will require continued focus on incentivising participation. The Government is supporting both employers and apprentices through a range of financial and non-financial measures designed to make engagement with apprenticeship more accessible and attractive.
Two reports on incentives - one commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Office and another by my Department - will inform the development of the next Action Plan for the period 2026–2030. The report commissioned by the NAO has not been completed and the work will be reviewed by the NAO in the coming months. Regarding the research commissioned by my Department, a draft has been completed and is currently under consideration. These insights will help shape a responsive apprenticeship system for current and future challenges. A public consultation on the next Action Plan will be launched shortly, and I look forward to hearing from stakeholders across the system.
