101. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place to expand the provision of apprenticeships through Irish; the supports being considered for Irish-medium delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50083/26]

Aithníonn mo Roinn an ról tábhachtach atá ag breisoideachas agus ardoideachas chun tacú le forbairt agus úsáid na Gaeilge ar fud na sochaí agus an lucht saothair i gcoitinne. Cuireann leathnú leanúnach chóras printíseachta na hÉireann leis an gcuspóir seo

My Department recognises the important role of further and higher education in supporting the development and use of the Irish language across society and the workforce more generally. The continued expansion of Ireland’s apprenticeship system contributes to this objective.

In April 2026, Minister Harkin and I launched a new two-year Level 6 Business and Operations Apprenticeship. This includes a dedicated Irish language pathway within the civil service stream, with five places in the initial cohort, enabling participants to achieve at least B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Training by Gaelchultúr is combined with workplace placements in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, providing practical experience of using Irish at work. Graduates are eligible to apply for Executive Officer roles, creating a pathway into the civil service. I will soon update Government on apprenticeship programmes supporting public service skills needs including the new Business and Operations programme.

My Department also allocates funding to higher education institutions through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to support Irish language provision. In addition to block grant funding, this includes €900,000 annually to promote Irish among students and staff, and €1.766 million to the University of Galway to support Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.

In addition, my department, with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, has established a sectoral working group under Action 4.3.3 of the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026–2028. The group will examine how the tertiary education system, including apprenticeships, can support the National Plan, particularly in increasing Irish language capability in the public service. It includes senior representatives from relevant Departments and agencies and held its first meeting on 30th June. Further policy measures will be informed by this work.