Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
351. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to commit to further supporting the creation of access to apprenticeship programmes specifically targeting members of the Traveller community. [17249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA goal of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is inclusiveness. The Action Plan has led to specific initiatives being put in place to support underrepresented groups, such as the Traveller community. 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 was launched in 2023 and is administered by the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM). The TAIP offers a €3,000 bursary, structured across three streams: for new apprentices, existing apprentices, and those attending pre-apprenticeship programmes.There are also €2,000 grants 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. Separately, a Traveller Pre-Apprenticeship programme was launched by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board in July 2024 and is currently running in partnership with the Offaly Traveller Movement. The 12-week Access to Apprenticeship programme gives learners the opportunity to sample a range of apprenticeship occupations and training, prepare their CV and interview skills, undertake two weeks of work experience, and obtain Health & Safety and Safe Pass certificates. Participants in this programme are eligible to apply to SOLAS 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, with 80 learners receiving the bursary in 2025. The programme has expanded in 2026. Delivery commenced in Technological University Dublin in January this year - 16 participants are currently enrolled there with a further intake expected in the second half of 2026. The Government remains committed to ensuring that apprenticeships are accessible to all. This will be a focus and consideration in the development of the new Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030, which will be published later this year.
