Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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313. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to ringfence 10% of the national training fund for the charity sector to support digital upskilling (details supplied). [38264/24]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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314. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to introduce a dedicated grant scheme of €1 million for trustee training and development to support good governance in the charity sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38265/24]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 314 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, plans to spend the National Training Fund (NTF) must be considered within the context of budgetary policy and within the fiscal strategy agreed by Government. The details for Budget 2025 are currently being finalised. Any increase in NTF expenditure, all other things being equal and without a corresponding reduction on the Vote, requires an increase in my Department’s and overall Government expenditure ceilings.

The Wheel, Ireland’s national association of charities, community groups and social enterprises, has been in receipt of funding from the NTF since 2004 to provide upskilling, training and development for employers and employees in the charity sector. In 2024, circa €1.1m was allocated to the Wheel. As a supportive resource, The Wheel offer advice, training, and other opportunities to people working or volunteering in the charity and community sector. As part of The Wheel’s advice and guidance to the charity sector, they offer free online resources and webinars, through their website to assist non-profit organisations in governance and management.

I note the Charities Institute Ireland 2025 pre-budget submission calls for funding to be provided for governance and compliance costs for the charity. Governance of the charities sector does not fall under the remit of my Department. This role is the responsibility of the Minister for Rural and Community Development as the Charities Regulator is an agency of that Department.