National Training Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Ceisteanna (215)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

215. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the anticipated funding from the National Training Fund that will be needed in each of the years 2018 to 2020; the funded apprenticeship programmes in order to meet the targeted number of registrations for all craft-based and consortia-led apprenticeships as provided under the action plan to expand apprenticeship and traineeship in Ireland 2016-20; and the forecasted funding that will be needed to meet the targeted registrations between all craft-based and consortia-led apprenticeships in each of the years 2018 to 2020. [22474/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

In 2018, €122m has been allocated for apprenticeship training which represents an increase of almost 24% on the 2017 allocation of €98.7m. This will allow for the delivery of 10 new apprenticeship programmes and 6,197 new apprentice registrations as set out in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship 2016-2020. Future years' allocations will be determined through the normal budgetary process which takes account of competing demands and the overall availability of resources. However, as part of the 2019 estimates process my Department is currently reviewing the per capita costing for both craft based and consortia led apprenticeships. This exercise involves collecting detailed data from both SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority and, when completed, will provide a more accurate base from which future funding requirements can be established to meet the targets set out in our Apprenticeship Action Plan.