Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
580. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date on which the last comprehensive expenditure report on the National Training Fund was published; when his Department plans to publish the next report evaluating National Training Fund expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29355/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with section 2 (14) of the National Training Fund Act 2000, the Comptroller and Auditor-General audits the National Training Fund (NTF) accounts annually. The audited accounts are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year; the accounts for 2024 were laid on 20 February 2026.
In 2024, my Department commissioned the ESRI to develop a structured evaluation road map for the NTF to support systematic monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of NTF-funded schemes. The research examined the extent to which individual NTF schemes can be robustly evaluated, identifying the most appropriate methodological approach for each scheme in light of its objectives, and assessing the adequacy of existing data infrastructure in meeting evaluation requirements. The resulting report, Roadmap for an Evaluation of the National Training Fund, was published by the ESRI on its website in December 2025. My officials are currently considering the report’s findings and recommendations.
