Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
373. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progression pathways in place for disabled people who have completed their apprentices and are ready for employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64045/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra374. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the efforts his Department is making to ensure there is more awareness for employers about disability supports for disabled qualified apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64046/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the efforts his Department is making to address the low uptake of disabled people doing apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64047/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 373, 374 and 375 together.
Apprenticeships provide the opportunity for individuals to join the workforce as employees from day one of their chosen programme. Completing the programme provides a respected qualification and hands-on experience in their chosen field, creating a strong foundation for a rewarding career. It’s important to ensure these opportunities are accessible to everyone.
“Apprenticeship for All” is a core goal of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. To advance this, the National Apprenticeship Alliance established an Access and Inclusion sub-committee in 2023. Its role is to advise on the effective implementation of access and inclusion actions and support the development of a more inclusive national apprenticeship system. Key progress in 2025 includes
The Access & Inclusion sub-committee of the National Apprenticeship Alliance meets four times each year. Progress in 2025 includes guidance for apprenticeship employers on being disability-inclusive in the workplace being finalised in Q3 2025.
In respect of supporting learners, for apprentice supports related to reading and writing, the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) aim to respond to learner needs through a range of initiatives for apprenticeships. This includes the provision of pre-apprenticeship schemes, assessment of literacy and language needs, and support for learning differences such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, as well as related matters. Literacy supports are provided to support apprentices with the academic requirements of their off-the-job training and are central to learner supports services.
To support the sharing of expertise and experience in tailored specific supports for apprentices across practitioners, a Community of Practice (Supports to Apprentices Group) has been developed. This group has informed the development of resources for craft apprenticeships that offer numeracy resources across multiple fields. In addition, ETB staff are provided with a comprehensive professional learning and development calendar, which offers training opportunities for staff to support learners with the literacy, numeracy and digital skills demands of their course.
The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) also provides an extensive range of resources and training for prospective apprentices, including worksheets, videos and books in literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.
In 2026, the National Apprenticeship Office will commence an equal access survey to establish a baseline of apprentices from underrepresented groups.
I am committed to developing a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship for 2026 -2030. As part of this process, I will seek the views of all stakeholders, including disability groups.
