Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
1134. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration has been given to expanding the number of access to apprenticeship courses from the three currently operating nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1135. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has considered special mechanisms to support places for members of the Traveller community on access to apprenticeship courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1134 and 1135 together.
Inclusiveness is a key goal in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, with specific initiatives to support disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, and members of the Traveller community.
The Access to Apprenticeship programme is one of the existing measures designed to help achieve this goal. This programme is a 12-week full-time programme that gives learners the opportunity to:
• Sample a range of apprenticeship occupations and training
• Prepare CV and Interview Skills
• Undertake two weeks of work experience
• Obtain Health & Safety and Safe Pass Certificates
Learners who participate in an Access to Apprenticeship programme are eligible to apply to the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) for a €3,000 bursary to support living costs including travel, accommodation and materials.
The Access to Apprenticeship programme was initially delivered by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) at its Limerick and Athlone campuses, In 2025, 80 learners received the bursary. The programme expanded this year, with Technological University Dublin launching its programme on 28 January 2026, with 16 participants currently enrolled there. A further intake is expected in the second half of this year. There are no immediate plans for the programme to commence at other institutions.
The Traveller Apprenticeship Initiative Programme (TAIP) provides financial and practical support to members of the Traveller Community to help them access, start and complete apprenticeships. The programme, which was was launched in 2023 and is administered by the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM), offers a €3,000 bursary, structured across three streams:
• New apprentices
• Existing apprentices
• Those attending pre-apprenticeship programmes
There are also grants of €2,000 for employers who take on Travellers as apprentices. 83 individuals were funded through the TAIP in 2025, including 12 women. Three employer bursaries were availed of in 2025.
Separate to this, a Traveller Pre-Apprenticeship programme was launched by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board in July 2024. It is currently running in partnership with the Offaly Traveller Movement.
A new Action Plan for Apprenticeship for the period 2026–2030 is currently being developed and will be published later this year. The Government remains committed to ensuring that apprenticeships are accessible to all, including disadvantaged and underrepresented groups and members of the Traveller community. This will be a key focus of the new Action Plan, which aims to build on the progress achieved under the current plan.
