Cathy Bennett TD spoke in the Dáil: Financial Statements 2024: National Training Fund

Cathy Bennett TD (Sinn Féin) spoke in the Dáil on 1 October 2024 about the National Training Fund, contributing to the Financial Statements 2024. The fund, which has run a surplus thanks to growth in employment numbers and higher employers’ PRSI receipts, is set to receive further support under Budget 2025. Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said that an almost €1.5 billion package will be introduced over six years up to 2030 to strengthen research, further and higher education, skills development and decarbonisation. The plan includes a yearly increase of €150 million in core funding for universities, additional places in healthcare and veterinary programmes under the expressions‑of‑interest expansion scheme, and higher stipends for certain PhDs.

Further education will see the craft apprenticeship system expanded to 6,800 registrations by 2025, while small and medium enterprises will receive support to build future business capacity. Upskilling initiatives are also earmarked for the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in Ireland has expressed interest in using the surplus accumulated at the National Training Fund; its director Mary Connaughton noted that upskilling is an urgent requirement amid a changing workplace and that apprenticeships must be adequately resourced.

The statement, presented by Cathy Bennett on behalf of her constituents in Cavan‑Monaghan, highlights the importance of continued investment in training to meet Ireland’s economic needs. For more details see the Oireachtas statement and RTÉ coverage.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.