I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
Skillnet Ireland is funded by my Department through the National Training Fund (NTF) to act as an enterprise-led support body dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of enterprise training and workforce development as key elements in sustaining national competitiveness. Its primary role is to increase participation in enterprise training and workforce learning within Ireland’s small and medium enterprises (SME), to upskill the workforce and provide greater access for workers to skills development.
Skillnet Ireland operates a joint funding model where training is funded by combining contributions from employers with Skillnet grants.
As the following table outlines, Skillnet have increased the number of SMEs they fund over the last number of years and continue to engage with enterprises of this size in a collaborative and innovative way, such as through the establishment of the SFA Skillnet.
Skillnet Ireland has drawn down their full allocation since 2016 as outlined in the following table:
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
Allocation
|
16,200,000
|
18,200,000
|
21,700,000
|
28,000,000
|
% of NTF Expenditure
|
5%
|
5%
|
5%
|
6%
|
The expenditure ceiling for the National Training Fund is set as part of the Estimates process, having regard to the Government's overall budgetary and fiscal stance, and so the amount available for expenditure in any given year would only be decided as part of the budget process.
National Training Fund Budget