281. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason EU social funds are not being used to provide modular, machine-specific safety training for the thousands of self-employed and transitioning workers in the landscaping sector. [44447/26]

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is a shared management programme between the European Union and the Member States. In Ireland the ESF+ Managing Authority in my Department holds responsibility for implementation of ESF+ nationally. ESF+ funding is allocated over seven-year programming periods aligned to the EU’s Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF).

Ireland’s ESF+ national programme for the 2021-27 period is entitled the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme. Actions included in the ESF+ EIST 2021-27 Programme are fully funded up-front by the Exchequer with the European Union co-funding claimed in arrears.

The EIST Programme has a total allocation of €1.08bn which is made up of €508.4m in EU funding and €572.6m in national co-financing. The EIST Programme funds a range of Actions in priority areas of employment, inclusion, skills, and training implemented by different Government Departments and Agencies.

The Education and Training Boards deliver a range of courses in the area of horticulture/landscaping, some of which are delivered under the Specific Skills Training or Traineeship programmes which are ESF+ funded under the ETB Training Action.

These courses can include the following modules which lead to QQI awards.

• Horticulture Tools and Equipment (4N0683)

• Workplace Safety (4N1124)

• Safe Horticultural Practice (4N0719)

Additionally, workers in horticulture/landscaping in a construction environment can avail of SafePass training which is a mandatory health and safety awareness course.

I trust this information is of assistance.