Written answers
Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Department of Education and Skills
Apprenticeship Programmes
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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732. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of the expansion of apprenticeships since the publication of the action plan on apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53505/25]
James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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There has been a strong and sustained commitment to apprenticeships demonstrated by government. Since the formation of my department and the subsequent publication of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, investment in apprenticeship training has increased by 85%, from €184 million in 2020 to €339 million in 2025.
This investment has supported strong employer demand in apprenticeships as well as a 51% increase in annual registrations on apprenticeship programmes from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024, setting a strong base for reaching the target of 10,000 annual apprentice registrations by the end of 2025.
This investment has also supported a 34% growth in the number of apprenticeship programmes available from 58 to 78. There are now 25 craft apprenticeship programmes and 53 consortia-led programmes designed to serve industry needs across multiple sectors such as construction, ICT, hospitality, health, and social care - supporting Ireland both economically and socially.
In 2024, four new apprenticeships were launched across the private and public sectors: a Level 8 (National Framework of Qualifications) in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, a Level 6 Civil Service Digital Marketing programme, a Level 9 public sector Social Work programme, and a Level 9 Software Solutions programme.
Most recently, a new Accounting Technologist apprenticeship began running in mid-September 2025. Work is ongoing to expand apprenticeship options further, with new programmes in development in areas such as planning, beauty, business, and robotics.
The development of new apprenticeships follows a structured 10-step process overseen by the National Apprenticeship Office. These programmes are proposed by industry-led groups, backed by solid evidence of significant skills needs and practical employer engagement.
Expanding apprenticeship courses offers a fast-track route to employment, providing valuable qualifications, including in professions that were previously accessible only through university.
This "earn while you learn" model in emerging skills areas enhances both affordability and accessibility, particularly for a diverse learner population. The growing number of programmes highlights the increasing popularity of apprenticeships as a pathway to training and qualification through employment.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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733. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the target of 10,000 annual apprenticeship registrations by the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53506/25]
James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Investment in the apprenticeship system has been significant since my department was formed in 2020. To ensure an adequate pipeline of skilled apprentices to support government targets on housing and infrastructure development, €77 million was invested in the apprenticeship system in Budget 2025, bringing the total current budget for apprenticeship to €339 million. This represents a significant increase of 84% in apprenticeship funding since 2020.
Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown strongly in recent years from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024. This 51% increase provides a strong foundation for achieving the target of 10,000 annual apprentice registrations by the end of 2025.
As of September this year, there have been 6,676 apprenticeship registrations. It should be noted that in 2024 the last four months of the year were the strongest period for apprenticeship registrations - 45% of all registrations for the year took place in this period.
A key goal set out in the Apprenticeship Action Plan 2021-2025 is for apprenticeship to be recognised and valued by employers in every sector of Ireland’s economy as a key route to recruiting a highly skilled workforce. At present, there is a total of 78 national apprenticeship programmes, 25 of which are Craft Apprenticeships and 53 of which are Consortia-Led programmes. These 78 apprenticeships cover a diverse assortment of career paths, ranging from Cybersecurity to Hairdressing.
It is my department’s and this government's priority to continue to invest in apprenticeships, with a target of 12,500 annual registrations by 2030.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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734. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the work on increasing the number of craft apprenticeships, given how crucial these are in meeting our national and housing retrofit targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53507/25]
Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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I would like to thank Deputy Currie for raising this important question.
This Government is focused on equipping Ireland’s workforce with the skills needed to deliver new housing, drive retrofitting projects, and meet Ireland’s infrastructural priorities under the National Development Plan.
Workers are needed across different skills levels and the apprenticeship model is an invaluable part of the overall tertiary response to these requirements.
Since the Department’s establishment, investment in apprenticeship training has grown substantially. DFHERIS secured a significant investment of €77.4 million into the apprenticeship system in Budget 2025. This is the single largest investment in core apprenticeship funding since the formation of the Department in 2020, an increase of 84% since then.
Annual registrations in craft apprenticeships have risen by 63%, from 4,377 in 2020 to 7,113 in 2024. Over the same period, the total number of apprentices in construction and related fields has grown by 45%, from 17,183 to 24,974. This underpins the value of this training route at a time of near-full employment and high demand for construction skills.
Recognising the need to incentivise employers my Department’s investment into apprenticeships includes an employer grant of €2,000 per year for consortia-led apprenticeships, as well as a gender-based bursary of €2,666 that is available to employers who hire apprentices in programmes where there is greater than 80% representation of a single gender.
Next year will see the launch of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030. A key commitment in the Programme for Government, it will have a headline target of 12,500 new apprentice registrations per year by 2030 and two-thirds of these will be in craft and construction-related programmes. Stakeholder consultations on the new Plan are to begin shortly.
To further support this momentum, a concerted effort is being made to attract more people into the craft trades through cross-partner campaigns.
The Building Heroes peer-to-peer social media campaign is changing perceptions of careers in construction among the 15–25-year-olds and features a number of trades, including a Plumber and Electrician. A Careers in Construction documentary has been produced and shared with second-level schools nationwide, while the National Apprenticeship Office’s Facts, Faces, Futures campaign is promoting apprenticeships to girls.
I remain committed to ensuring that the apprenticeship system is robust, responsive, and ready to meet the evolving skills needs of Ireland’s economy.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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735. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to detail the take-up of the supports to help achieve a better gender balance in apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53508/25]
James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Ensuring that Ireland’s apprenticeship population reflects the diversity of our society is a cornerstone of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. A key objective within this plan is improving gender balance across all apprenticeship programmes.
In January 2022, as part of the implementation of the Action Plan, government introduced a targeted grant of €2,666 available to employers who employ apprentices from the minority gender on programmes which have over 80% representation of a single gender. This initiative was designed to encourage greater gender diversity in traditionally male or female dominated fields.
As of October 2025, ETBs, via the Apprenticeship Online portal, have reported that 240 employers have been paid the first instalment of this gender-based bursary since 2022. This is a €1,333 entitlement, which employers are due after an apprentice from the minority gender has been employed by them for longer than six months. During the same period, 89 employers have been paid the second instalment of €1,333 due after the apprentice has been employed by them for longer than 18 months.
Since the gender-based bursary’s introduction, we have seen an approximately 75% increase in female participation in apprenticeships, from 1,535 at the end of 2021 to 2,684 by the end of August this year. Women now represent approximately 9% of the overall apprentice population, up from approximately 6% in January 2022.
Of the 78 apprenticeship programmes currently available, 47 qualified for the gender bursary in 2024 and 2025. Notably, 46 of these relate to female participation, with the exception of hairdressing, where male apprentices qualify.
My department also launched the Careers in Construction Action Plan in August 2023 with initiatives to highlight opportunities in construction for women, including a Building Heroes social media peer to peer campaign to dispel the myths surrounding careers in construction which reached more than 3.5 million people in 2024.
The National Apprenticeship Office has also played a vital role in promoting female participation. In 2023, they launched the Facts, Faces, Futures campaign, directly engaging with all-girls schools across Ireland to promote apprenticeships.
Together, these efforts reflect government's commitment to build a more inclusive and representative apprenticeship system, one that offers equal opportunity to all.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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736. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to reach the target of 750 apprenticeships in the Public and Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53509/25]
James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the Deputy’s question regarding the implementation of the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, which was previously addressed in July.
The Plan, jointly published by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation remains a central commitment under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. It sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the public service, with a target of 750 annual registrations by 2025.
Public service sectoral representatives have submitted workplans aimed at increasing apprentice registrations. While there is strong engagement and support for apprenticeships, challenges remain, particularly in terms of awareness and outdated perceptions that apprenticeships are less valuable than university degrees.
In June, I updated Government on the Plan’s implementation alongside my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. We are beginning to see momentum build: annual registrations increased from 67 in 2022 to 165 in 2024. This year at the end of September 2025 there are 225 registrations. Sectors are forecasting 554 registrations in 2025, an almost 240% increase from 2024. While this remains below the target, it reflects the growing impact of the Plan and the public service’s commitment to embedding apprenticeships.
New programmes have been launched, including a Level 8 Social Work apprenticeship and a Level 6 Digital Marketing apprenticeship, which offer new and exciting pathways into public service careers.
To support this work, my department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation have introduced a range of employer engagement initiatives and published a Practical Guide to Employing Apprentices in the Public Service.
A strong foundation is now in place. Achieving the Government’s ambition will require continued leadership, collaboration and commitment across all public service bodies. With over 400,000 employees, the public service has a unique opportunity to mainstream apprenticeships as part of workforce strategy and to promote diversity and inclusion through apprentice recruitment.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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737. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which his department is supporting the use and adoption of modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53510/25]
Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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I would like thank Deputy Currie for her question and her interest in how our department is supporting the use and adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC).
Advancing MMC is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and my Department works with sectoral partners such as SOLAS, Education and Training Boards, the National Construction Training Campus, and Skillnet Ireland to increase MMC skills supply across the tertiary system.
Upskilling and reskilling workers is a priority for the construction industry and the sector is being supported by my Department to ensure the workforce has the appropriate skills to increase MMC adoption. €2.7 million was allocated through Budget 2025 for MMC training and promotion, while a further €760,000 was provided through the 2025 Housing for All Implementation Fund. This combined funding of over €3.4 million for MMC-related initiatives in 2025 reflects the Government’s commitment to a modern, skilled, and future-ready construction workforce.
We are actively progressing a suite of skills initiatives:
- The National Demonstration Park for MMC is under construction at the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas. The Park will provide an accessible ‘flagship’ location for MMC demonstration in Ireland and specialist training towards emerging MMC skillsets. The breaking of the ground ceremony at the National Demonstration Park for MMC took place in June 2025. Groundworks are nearly complete, and the Park is to become operational in 2026.
- The Skillnet MMC Accelerate national digital platform was launched in May 2025. The platform highlights MMC projects, provides career pathways and new education and upskilling provision.
- Laois-Offaly ETB (LOETB) launched the MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio in February 2025. This is a suite of accredited MMC micro-credentials covering zero emissions buildings, sustainability, digital technologies, and local authority-focused training
- In response to the MMC skills requirements outlined by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) my Department published the MMC Action Plan in June this year. The Plan outlines 58 actions across eight themes to address skills shortages and support the successful transition to MMC across the construction supply chain.
Additional MMC training options in development through the National Construction Training Campus and LOETB include an MMC Training and Innovation Space, an MMC Traineeship, and the piloting of an MMC programme for public sector local authorities.
As part of its stakeholder collaboration process, the Department also held a workshop in March 2025 to hear directly from small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) about what supports would encourage them to adopt MMC. This workshop is informing what my Department can do in formulating a policy response to further assist SMEs.
My Department is also working to increase the number of people employed in the construction sector by highlighting diverse career opportunities, including new and emerging careers through MMC. A range of promotional activities include:
- the Building Heroes peer-to-peer social media campaign. One of the Building Heroes is an MMC Quality Assurance technician;
- A Careers in Construction documentary which has been distributed to second-level schools. One of the three participants works in the MMC space;
- a documentary on MMC is close to completion and will highlight the role MMC can play in tackling challenges around housing.
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her question and for her interest, in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC skills across Ireland.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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738. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the national demonstration park for modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53511/25]
Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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With thanks to Deputy Currie for her interest in the development of the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Located at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, the National Demonstration Park for MMC will serve as a national hub to showcase MMC housing and systems. The Park will be central to advancing the take-up of MMC in Ireland as a physical showcase for MMC technologies and processes.
The project is being led by the Laois–Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), who manage the National Construction Training Campus, and who will also deliver relevant MMC course provision to support skills development.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction of the Demonstration Park is progressing well, with the enabling groundworks for Phase 1 expected to be completed by the end of October. These initial construction activities have been carried out onsite to prepare for the MMC units and are essential to ensure that the site is safe, stable, and ready for further development.
I was delighted to see this work in person during the breaking of the ground ceremony at the Park on 9th June. This marked an important milestone for the project, and the presence of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, also highlighted the cross-Departmental importance of the Park.
The first of the demonstration units are projected to be onsite in Q1 2026, with activity scaling throughout 2026.
The development of the Park is aligned with the Department’s broader MMC strategy. This includes the rollout of the Skillnet MMC Accelerate online platform in February 2025, and the launch of an MMC Action Plan in June 2025 to address the skills needs identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN).
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her interest in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC across Ireland.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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739. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the type and number of units planned at the national demonstration park for modern methods of construction; the number envisaged for completion this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53512/25]
Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for her interest in the National Demonstration Park for MMC in Mount Lucas, Co Offaly, which is a central plank in our strategy for advancing the take-up of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
The construction of the Demonstration Park is progressing well, with the enabling groundworks for Phase 1 expected to be completed by the end of October. These initial construction activities have been carried out onsite to prepare for the MMC units and are essential to ensure that the site is safe, stable, and ready for further development.
I was delighted to see this work in person during the breaking of the ground ceremony at the Park on 9th June. This marked an important milestone for the project, and the presence of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, also highlighted the importance of the Park.
Phase 1 will see the construction of a variety of certified MMC units, which will include:
- 3 x 1-Bed apartments over a retail unit using Insulated Precast Concrete Panels.
- 1 x 2-Bed 2-Storey terraced Modular Infill Building using Light Gauge Steel.
- 1 x 3-Bed 3-Storey terraced unit using 2D Panelised Light Gauge Steel.
- 1 x 2-Bed 2-Storey terraced unit using Light Gauge Steel, Timber Frame or Insulated Concrete Formwork.
- 1 x 1-bed 3D Volumetric module and/or 1 x 2-Storey 2D Light Gauge Steel Modular Infill Building.
- 2 x Affordable/Social 3-Bed semi-detached dwellings using Timber-Frame 3D Volumetric.
The first demonstration units are expected to be onsite in the first quarter of 2026 with activity scaling throughout 2026.
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her question and for her interest in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC across Ireland.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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740. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how successful demonstrator projects from the modern methods of construction demonstration park will be scaled up and adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53513/25]
Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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With thanks to Deputy Currie for her interest in the new National Demonstration Park for MMC which is being constructed in Mount Lucas, Co. Offaly.
It is important to reflect on the objectives of the National Demonstration Park for MMC, these include:
- To provide an accessible ‘flagship’ location for MMC demonstration in Ireland, and in so doing to facilitate the showcasing of innovative MMC products and systems particularly for the housing sector.
- To raise awareness, and to disseminate the knowledge and understanding of MMC innovation throughout Ireland by way of such a showcased facility.
- To build a national network around MMC of manufacturers, contractors, clients, designers and policymakers, and to support and contribute to related activities through this network.
- To identify and provide applicable specialist training towards emerging MMC skillset requirements.
- To facilitate experimentation and proof of concept activities, as well as established MMC operational processes.
Organisations of all sizes – from local authorities to SMEs - will benefit from visiting this experiential facility and understand how they can integrate more modern methods into their products and services.
Visitors to the park will also be able to access training information to address any upskilling or reskilling needs they may have.
Overall, the aim is to support the greater adoption of MMC throughout the sector via the promotion and utilisation of this experiential facility.
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her question and for her interest in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC across Ireland.
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