Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he supports the introduction of a national training voucher scheme that would support employers, and particularly SMEs, in addressing both the direct and indirect costs of training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52660/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The OECD Ireland Skills Strategy Review (2023) recommended that Ireland strengthen incentives for employers to participate in lifelong learning. My Department is working closely with Skillnet Ireland on a scheme aimed specifically at supporting SMEs in this respect. The aim of the scheme is to support small and medium enterprises to upskill and reskill in areas of critical skills needs, to ensure that the workforce has the necessary skills for the future. As SMEs often lack the resources (time, money, HR function etc) to help their staff upskill and reskill, it is important that they are supported to ensure that this happens.

However, current training supports provided to businesses through the National Training Fund (NTF) include targeted and flexible upskilling options under SOLAS’ Skills to Advance initiative. These options include micro-qualifications to ensure that enterprises can respond to the rapidly changing world of work, advances in technology and tackling climate change.

With funding from the NTF, Skillnet Ireland supports over 26,000 businesses and 97,000 employees each year through its 69 Skillnet Business Networks. Skillnet Ireland engages with industry stakeholders to ensure that skills and talent provisions reflect the needs of businesses and their workers.

The NTF also contributes to Enterprise Ireland’s training on Leadership and Management Development programmes.

Current NTF funding to the HEA includes provision for Springboard+ which provides free and heavily subsidised upskilling and reskilling opportunities through higher education. Springboard+ courses are provided in independent and private HEIs. In order for a course to be considered for Springboard+ funding, the course provider must (among other things) demonstrate clear evidence of engagement with enterprise and industry partners.

In relation to the NTF Act, minimal amendments are required to ensure that the new NTF expenditure announced in Budget 2025 can be provided from 2026 onwards. It is important to note that the purposes of the NTF will not be amended, which are to raise the skills of those in employment, provide training to those who wish to acquire skills to take up employment and provide information in relation to skills requirements in the economy.