112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the plans to increase numbers of apprenticeships in key industries that are experiencing labour shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6917/26]

Continuing to grow and develop Ireland’s apprenticeship system is a key priority for me. Apprenticeships offer learners a proven route to achieving valued qualifications and securing employment, while also enabling employers to build the skilled workforce they need.

The apprentice population has grown substantially in recent years- from 19,600 in 2020 to over 31,000 in 2025. The commitment to continued growth is underpinned by significant Government investment. Minister Lawless and I secured an additional €79m in Budget 2026 which means that over €410 million is now allocated to apprenticeships in 2026, more than double the funding in 2020. This investment has seen the number of programmes available increase from 58 to 78 since my Department’s establishment.

It is essential that the apprenticeship system is strategically aligned with national priorities and responsive to the evolving needs of the Irish workforce. This can be seen through apprenticeship's role in supporting critical skills needs that underpin national infrastructure delivery, particularly within the construction sector. Between 2020 and 2025, construction and construction-related apprenticeship programmes increased from 25 to 31, with apprentice numbers growing from 14,567 to 22,807.

In addition, an NFQ Level 8 Spatial Planning apprenticeship is under development. This was identified as a priority action under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Ministerial Action Plan for Planning Resources.

The development of new apprenticeships follows a structured process overseen by SOLAS in collaboration with the Higher Education Authority. New programmes are proposed by industry-led consortia groups, backed by solid evidence of skills needs as well as employer engagement.

I will bring the next Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026–2030 to Government and launch it later this year.