Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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2538. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to abolish apprenticeship registration fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19755/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Apprentices are not charged a fee to take up an apprenticeship programme.

A student contribution is paid by all students, including apprentices, when attending Higher Education Institutions. A once-off reduction of 33% of this contribution as a part of a cost-of-living package for students was announced in Budgets 2023 and 2024, costing €3.8 million in both years and estimated to benefit over 11,000 apprentices. Budget 2025 saw the same once-off 33% reduction which supported an estimated 14,000 apprentices at a cost of €4.7 million.

The Programme for Government commits to reducing the student contribution in a financially sustainable manner, over the lifetime of this Government. I hosted a cost of education event on 3 April 2025 to better inform the decisions on this issue and to hear from stakeholders. This event was attended by apprentices, students, representatives of the student population, access officers, student services employees, people who work with students on a day-to-day basis, organisations who advocate for under-represented students in education and policy makers. The event served as an opportunity for all to have their say on the key cost of education issues.

Following this event, I will publish an options paper which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education including for apprentices. This will inform decisions ahead of Budget 2026.

I remain committed to easing the financial burden on apprentices, students and families to access education in a financially sustainable way.