Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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260. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of businesses in Ireland that availed of the apprenticeship incentivisation scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51853/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme was established to ensure that apprenticeship will play a key part in supporting economic recovery following COVID-19. It comprises a €2,000 payment when employers register a new apprentice, followed by an additional €1,000 payment one year later where that apprentice is retained.  The scheme has supported the continued recruitment of apprentices over the COVID-19 period, with almost €11m approved for payment in respect of 5,471 apprentice registrations by the first of October.  Since the beginning of 2021 2,387 unique employers have availed of this incentive scheme.

The establishment, funding and success of the scheme is a strong demonstration of the Government's commitment to the development and growth of apprenticeship in Ireland, which will be sustained and intensified through the implementation of the Action Plan on Apprenticeship.