I propose to take Questions Nos. 1276 and 1275 together.
Skillnet Ireland provides extensive upskilling and workforce development supports to the agriculture sector. Skillnet Ireland has advised my officials that these supports benefit more than 9,500 learners from over 6,000 agri-businesses annually. Agriculture-focused Skillnet Business Networks include Farm Business Skillnet, ICOS Skillnet, Macra Agricultural Skillnet, National Organic Training Skillnet and XLVets Skillnet.
Farm Business Skillnet is an enterprise-led network delivering targeted training to farm businesses and smallholders nationwide, with a focus on improving productivity and efficiency. Its initiatives include the Ready to Lead programme, delivered in partnership with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and FBD Insurance. This enterprise-led, sector-specific approach aligns with the objective of ensuring National Training Fund investments remain responsive to labour market needs, including within the agri-food sector.
Skillnet Ireland has advised that allocation to Farm Business Skillnet was €152,124 (2023), €155,389 (2024) and €160,000 (2025). It has provided the following data in relation to participation levels in that period, noting that 2025 figures are indicative and subject to validation:
|
Year
|
Businesses Supported
|
Learners Supported
|
|
2023
|
2,112
|
2,147
|
|
2024
|
1,514
|
1,562
|
|
2025*
|
1,199
|
1,205
|
Skillnet Ireland further advised that total funding across all agriculture-focused Skillnet Business Networks amounted to €2.94 million in 2023, €2.88 million in 2024 and €2.61 million in 2025. In addition, farmers and agri-businesses also benefit from training delivered through Skillnet Ireland’s regional networks, enhancing management capability, sustainability practices, and technology adoption.
Examples of agriculture-focused programmes include - Macra Agricultural Skillnet, ICOS Skillnet, National Organic Training Skillnet and XLVets Skillnet.
Skillnet Ireland is the national business support agency for workforce development and is funded through the NTF using a cost-sharing model with private enterprise investment. This model helps reduce financial barriers for businesses while ensuring that programmes remain closely aligned to enterprise needs. Skillnet Ireland plays a key role within Ireland’s skills ecosystem, by supporting the development of a competitive, adaptable and future-ready workforce through its enterprise-led approach.
For 2026, Skillnet Ireland has been allocated €54.2 million to carry out its functions. As an agency operating under the aegis of my Department, it is responsible for overseeing and funding the delivery of business supports through its nationwide network model, within its approved budget allocation.
The estimated €283 million surplus in 2025 reflects continued strong employment performance in the economy, the levy rate increase and the Government budgetary policy. All NTF expenditure counts within my Department’s overall expenditure ceiling, in the same way as Vote expenditure. Consequently, any increase in NTF funded activity must therefore be accommodated through reductions elsewhere within the Vote or through an increase in overall Government expenditure ceilings agreed by Government.
For clarity, all Departmental expenditure, including expenditure from the NTF, is determined through the annual Estimates process. NTF funded expenditure is considered alongside Vote expenditure and is subject to the same collective Government decision making, budgetary constraints and approvals. Accordingly, the existence of NTF resources does not provide scope for additional spending outside the Estimates framework.
