Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

720. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to address the rise in unregulated hairdressing services operating from homes and informal settings, in view of the impact on legitimate businesses and loss of revenue to the State; if he will consider introducing regulation and formal apprenticeship schemes for the hairdressing industry to ensure proper training, certification and oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53840/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A national Hairdressing apprenticeship programme has been successfully operating since 2019. It is a three-year programme on Level 6 of the NFQ that delivers a nationally recognised standard that is responsive to the needs of industry, designed through engagement with industry and education partners.

As of end-September 2025, there are 622 individuals undertaking the national Hairdressing apprenticeship programme. A total of 115 individuals have registered for this apprenticeship programme in 2025 to end-September.

This apprenticeship is available across the country, with training for this apprenticeship being offered by 13 of Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), as listed below:

• Cavan and Monaghan ETB
• City of Dublin ETB
• Cork ETB
• Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB
• Galway and Roscommon ETB
• Kerry ETB
• Kildare and Wicklow ETB
• Laois and Offaly ETB
• Limerick and Clare ETB
• Louth and Meath ETB
• Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB
• Tipperary ETB
• Waterford and Wexford ETB