The 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. Full details of planned NTF expenditure are published annually through the budgetary and Estimates process. Estimated expenditure for NTF is published in the Budget Book on Budget Day and in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services (REV) presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas, where NTF expenditure is presented as an appendix.
For ease of reference, the attached spreadsheet presents the full expenditure of the NTF across all three of its statutory purposes, with expenditure disaggregated by scheme and grantee, and by current and capital funding.
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 including €650?million in capital investment to supported expanded healthcare and veterinary training facilities, increased PhD stipends and research support and modern infrastructures to deliver world-class skills.
I was very clear during the passage of the Act in both Houses that our aim is to provide high-quality skills training through modern flexible spaces and, where necessary, specialised facilities with fit-for-purpose equipment. More importantly, I provided assurances that any capital funding will be used in accordance with statutory purposes of the NTF: to raise skills levels, support lifelong learning, and enable individuals to acquire the skills needed to access and progress in employment.
This investment enables the tertiary sector to respond more effectively to workforce and skills needs, ensuring that learners develop their skills in settings that reflect real-world industry standards.
In 2026, I am allocating €75 million for the following capital initiatives.
• €37 million to SOLAS for innovative equipment to position the Further Education and Training sector as a driver of workforce transformation, concentrating on six priority areas: construction; manufacturing (including biopharma); technology and digital; healthcare; hospitality and the experience economy; and the green transition.
• €38 million to Research Ireland to strengthen research capacity and talent development in strategically important areas for the State, including AI, data science, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy and cellular therapeutics. This allocation includes €18 million to meet the increase in the stipend level for Research Ireland funded PhD students.
NFT 2025
