Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
1256. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the workings of the national training fund; to provide examples of the assistance it has given to date; the funding that has been spent to date; the amount which is expected to be expended by the fund to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12132/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) was established by the National Training Fund Act 2000, as a dedicated fund to raise the skills of those in employment; provide training to those who wish to acquire skills to take up employment and provide information in relation to skills requirements in the economy. I am responsible for the expenditure of the Fund, while my colleague, the Minister for Finance, manages and controls the investment account. The Fund is financed by a 1% levy on employers, which is collected through the PRSI employers’ contribution. Over the past decade, the NTF has grown in both scale and impact. Expenditure has risen from €360 million in 2017 to over €1 billion in 2026. It is important to note that NTF expenditure is encompassed within my Department’s expenditure ceilings. This means that, all things being equal, an increase in NTF expenditure requires a corresponding decrease in my Department’s Vote expenditure. Furthermore, any increase in NTF expenditure also requires an increase in the overall Government expenditure ceilings.
The budgetary and estimates process provides full detail of the expenditure proposed under the NTF before the start of each financial year. Estimated expenditure for NTF is published in the Budget Book on Budget Day and in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services, where NTF expenditure is clearly listed as an appendix. As part of the Budget Day announcements, I outline my Department’s allocation under the Budget, including the allocation from the NTF, to the Dáil.
My officials prepare annual accounts of the Fund for audit and certification by the Comptroller & Auditor-General. These accounts are then laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in line with the provisions of the NTF Act. These accounts set out the expenditure to date for each scheme in the Fund and they date back to 2001.
The NTF is a major funder of skills-relevant provision across further and higher education and apprenticeships. SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) are the main beneficiaries of funding from the NTF in 2026, equating to 90% of the total allocation.
Apprenticeship is the single largest programme, with over €410 million being invested this year through SOLAS and the HEA. Government investment has supported a 63% increase in craft apprenticeship registrations, from 4,377 in 2020, the year in which my Department was established, to 7,174 by the end of 2025. This continued investment will support the further growth and development of the apprenticeship system.
Through Skillnet Ireland, businesses can join one of 69 Skillnet Networks to access enterprise-led training and upskilling. Recognising the cost and time burden on both employees and employers, SOLAS and the HEA have developed affordable micro-courses, with investment from the NTF, at little to no cost to employees, helping businesses invest in the skills needed for future growth. It also funds Springboard+ which funds courses which demonstrate clear evidence of engagement with enterprise and industry partners. The NTF also supports the State’s enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA, to address skills gaps and upskill existing staff in both small and large companies.
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. This funding will expand healthcare and veterinary training capacity; strengthen apprenticeships and further education; increase PhD stipends and research supports; and modernise the infrastructure required for world-class skills delivery. This capital investment strengthens - not dilutes - the Fund’s core objectives.
I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot comment on the expenditure of the NTF out to 2030, as this is subject to the fiscal strategy agreed by Government as part of the annual Estimates process each year.
