I do not accept the premise that National Training Fund (NTF)–funded programmes do not meet the core statutory objectives of the Fund. NTF-funded programmes have always complied with the statutory objectives set out in section 7 of the National Training Fund Act 2000, which provides that the Fund may be used to support schemes established to:
• raise the skills of those in employment,
• provide training to those who wish to acquire skills to take up employment, or
• provide information in relation to existing, or likely future, requirements for skills in the economy.
Deputy, you will note that the legislation makes no reference to the concept of “close-to-labour-market skills”. In this regard, I am satisfied that the NTF continues to operate fully within its legislative mandate and to meet its statutory objectives.
In relation to the question on the amount of NTF funding reallocated to so-called “non-employer-aligned” programmes, it is not immediately clear what is meant by that term. There is no category of provision within the NTF defined as “non-employer-aligned” in either legislation or funding governance arrangements. Accordingly, it would not be correct to state that NTF funding has been “reallocated” away from its statutory purpose.
With regard to Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) provision, funding for these programmes transferred from the Exchequer to the NTF from 2023. This reflects the role of PLC courses in supporting multiple routes to employment, including direct entry to the labour market as well as progression to higher education. Funding for PLC provision has increased from €155.36 million in 2023 to €168.15 million in 2025. This increase has facilitated measures to reduce costs for learners, including the abolition of the PLC levy and the phased reduction of other PLC-related fees.
