Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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860. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of increasing the funding for the MentorsWork Programme by 10%, 20% and 25%. [34325/23]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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Developed by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association, IBEC, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and Microfinance Ireland, MentorsWorkconnects SME owners and managers throughout Ireland with experienced mentors, helping them navigate business challenges and plan for growth. During 2022, MentorsWorksupported 603 SMEs across a range of sectors including construction, tourism, manufacturing, technology, retail and services. Skillnet Ireland has advised that it awarded €1,255,920 funding to the MentorsWorkprogramme for 2023, to support 660 SMEs. Accordingly, the costs of increasing provision as requested by the Deputy would be as set out in the following table:

Skillnet Ireland will engage with the SFA regarding the MentorsWork2024 budget in the coming months. All funding awarded by Skillnet Ireland is subject to the performance/KPIs of each Skillnet Network or scheme and the overall level of funding that is available to Skillnet Ireland.