Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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813. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the work of the apprenticeship policy unit within his Department on the review of the current Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025; and when the proposed successor to the action plan can be expected. [27243/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I look forward to consulting with stakeholders this year as my Department reviews the delivery of the current Action Plan, and develops a new five-year strategy for the apprenticeship system from 2026.

My priority is ensuring that the apprenticeship system is well equipped to continue to grow, to respond to the skills needs of industry, and to adapt to the challenges facing the workforce.

Government has invested significantly in apprenticeships since the publication of my Department's Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025.

Significant funding has been allocated to expand apprenticeship training capacity, with €77 million in Budget 2025 making the total current budget for apprenticeship €339 million. That’s a 97% increase in apprenticeship funding since 2020.

I am happy to say that increased funding combined with high employer demand for apprenticeships means that we are well on track to fulfilling the Action Plan commitment of 10,000 apprentice registrations annually by 2025. There were 9,352 apprentice registrations in 2024 which is a 51% increase compared to 2019, the last pre-pandemic year.

Seventeen new apprenticeship programmes have been launched since the Plan was published targeting key skills needs in the economy such as in civil engineering, quantity surveying, wind turbine maintenance, digital marketing and software development.

Recognising the importance of incentivising employers to partake in apprenticeships, Government introduced an employer grant of €2,000 per year in 2022. Since the introduction of this grant annual registrations for consortia-led apprenticeships have risen from 1,652 in 2021 to 2,239 in 2024. Targeted bursaries are also available to support underrepresented groups to access apprenticeships and employment.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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814. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the implementation of the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27244/25]

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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822. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to update on the work of his Department to bridge the gap of public service apprentice registrations in order to reach the Action Plan for Apprenticeship goal of 750 annual registrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27253/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 814 and 822 together.

The Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, launched in August 2023, is a key commitment under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. This plan aims to boost apprenticeship opportunity and participation within the public sector, targeting 750 new registrations annually by 2025.

Throughout 2024, my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR), engaged with public service sectors to identify skills gaps, explore opportunities for apprenticeship rollout, and set sectoral targets that together will reach a target of 750 yearly registrations from 2025.

To support public service employers, a Guide for Employers was jointly published and launched at the inaugural Public Services Employer Symposium in late 2024. Further promotional activities took place in March 2025, including presentations at the Public Service HR Network and the ‘Embracing Apprenticeship in the Civil Service’ Information Day.

Engagement with public service sectors will continue throughout 2025. Currently, 28 apprenticeship programmes are in development, many of which are relevant to the public sector, including a Business and Operations apprenticeship which will allow a more diverse cohort to access the public service through a new education and training pathway.

Budget 2025 allocated €77 million to apprenticeship, representing the largest single increase in core funding to date and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to expanding the apprenticeship system.