Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1270. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will introduce a national training voucher scheme, as proposed by an organisation (details supplied) in 2022 and supported by the Indecon Review, to reimburse employers (particularly SMEs) for accredited in-company training; and if not, why the €283 million unspent in the NTF in 2025 has not been used for this purpose. [34743/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) is a critical resource for supporting skills development across the economy and is used to fund a wide range of further and higher education, training, reskilling and upskilling initiatives in line with national skills priorities.
The question of introducing a national training voucher scheme, including proposals to reimburse employers for undertaking training, has been considered in the context of the broader policy framework for employer-led and learner-centred skills provision.
While the Indecon Review highlighted the importance of supporting in-work training, the approach taken with the NTF has been to prioritise the delivery of targeted, high-impact interventions through existing mechanisms that maximise the additional benefit of public investment, ensure strong quality assurance, and deliver value for money. These include Apprenticeships, Skillnet Ireland networks, Skills to Advance, micro-credentials, and a range of supports delivered through SOLAS, the Higher Education Authority, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
This approach is designed to focus resources where they can have the greatest impact. At present, there are no plans to introduce a universal national training voucher scheme. Any new scheme would need to be carefully assessed in terms of its ability to complement existing provision, deliver measurable additional outcomes, and represent an effective use of public resources.
Regarding the reference to the annual surplus of €283 million in the NTF in 2025, it is important to clarify that NTF funding operates within the overall Government expenditure ceilings. For clarity, all Departmental expenditure, including expenditure from the NTF, is determined through the annual Estimates process. NTF funded expenditure is considered alongside broader Exchequer expenditure and is subject to the same collective Government decision making, budgetary constraints and approvals. Accordingly, the existence of the NTF surplus does not provide scope for additional spending outside the Estimates framework.
