Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021
171. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide all emergency Covid-19-related expenditure from the National Training Fund in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35014/21]
View answerThe National Training Fund (NTF) was established by the National Training Fund Act, 2000, as a dedicated fund to support the training of those in employment, and those seeking employment. The Act also provides for the funding of research to provide information on existing and likely future skills requirements of the economy.
One of the key features of the NTF is its flexibility and the way it responds to changing economic/labour market conditions and this was particularly evident when as part of Government’s response to the labour market and skills effects of the pandemic, a range of measures were introduced as a response to upskilling and reskilling needs of individuals and businesses through the July Jobs Stimulus. These measures are providing 35,000 education and training places at a cost of €100 million to help those who were displaced by the effects of the pandemic. A further 15,000 places were announced as part of the skills package in Budget 2021. Table 1 attached outlined the details of the funding allocated.
Budget 2021 saw an increased investment of €118.5 million over the 2020 NTF Allocation to upskill and reskill people who have been affected by the impacts of the current pandemic and in areas of key skills priorities, particularly the climate agenda. The investment is aimed at those that require it the most, whether that is to assist with seeking employment or to upskill in their current jobs. Table 2 attached outlines the 2021 allocation.
Table 1. July Jobs Stimulus Allocation in 2020.
|
Detail of Funding Allocated |
2020 Cost €000 |
|
1. Skills to Compete |
|
|
This programme is tailored toward those who have lost jobs as a result of Covid 19 and targeted at emerging growth areas and occupations. |
€37,000 |
|
2. Skillnet |
|
|
Broadly similar to existing Skillnet interventions as well as a blend of other outreach/recruitment, career advice, upskilling and mandatory work placement. |
€3,000 |
|
3. Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme |
|
|
This is a time-limited incentive scheme designed to incentivise employers to take on apprentices. Employers would receive €2k up-front per apprentice and a further €1k after 12 months if apprentice is still on their books. |
€12,000 |
|
4. National Retrofitting Programme |
|
|
Retrofit Skills training to support the expansion of a National Retrofitting Programme. |
€500 |
|
5. Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 |
|
|
HCI and Springboard+ courses are at Level 6 (Certificate) to Level 9 (Masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) |
€10,000 |
|
6. Postgraduate Skills Provision |
|
|
Create additional places across the full range of existing part-time and full-time postgraduate taught programmes |
|
|
€22,500 |
|
|
7. Modular Skills Provision |
|
|
Shorter, more focused courses that can be offered in a flexible manner and could allow people to gain important skills without taking a considerable period away from the labour market. |
|
|
€15,000 |
|
|
TOTAL HE and FET |
€100,000 |
Table 2. Changes in National Training Fund provision 2021
|
National Training Fund Recipients |
2021 Increase in Budget Allocation |
|
€'000 |
|
|
Apprenticeship (SOLAS and HEA) |
|
|
Difference takes account of apprenticeship incentivisation in 2020 and 2021 as well as the Covid costs for additional classes in 2021 |
€26,000 |
|
Skillnet Ireland |
|
|
€5m increase in budget from base, difference is net of once off provision of €3m in July Jobs Stimulus |
€5,000 |
|
ETB Employee Development Programme – Skills to Advance and Skills for work |
|
|
Increases for additional places in Budget |
€3,000 |
|
SOLAS Training for employment |
|
|
The difference is net of July Jobs Stimulus in 2020 and the carryover costs in 2021, the Skills to Compete in Budget and the retrofitting training |
€77,099 |
|
The Wheel |
|
|
Increase provision for immediate demand of Training Links Learner Networks, leadership development, preparation of digital delivery post covid. |
€120 |
|
Springboard |
|
|
Springboard received once off July Jobs Stimulus funding in 2020 plus an additional once off allocation from HCI, the Budget figure of €7m is an increase on the base figure. |
€7,000 |
|
Provision of information on skills requirements |
|
|
Increased provision for Regional Skills Fora |
€131 |
|
Engineers Ireland (CPD) |
|
|
Increasing Digital skills and ICT capacity plus development of renewable energy technologies for training. |
€150 |
|
Total |
€118,500 |
