128. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made in expanding apprenticeship opportunities to meet current and future skills needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50029/26]

The Government is committed to developing an apprenticeship system that supports Ireland’s current and future skills needs. There are now nearly ninety apprenticeship programmes, with more in development. Recent developments include new apprenticeships that support emerging workforce demands and technological change.

For example, the recently launched Social Care apprenticeship, developed jointly by UCC and MTU, responds directly to the growing need for qualified professionals in the care sector.

Another example is the new Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering by Apprenticeship at Atlantic Technological University (ATU). ATU now offers a clear progression pathway from Level 6, a Level 7 and a Level 8 apprenticeship on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Civil Engineering, which will support our national housing and infrastructure goals.

Last month I visited Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) to launch a new apprenticeship in Robotics and Automation. This apprenticeship illustrates how new, agile learning pathways are helping industry respond to a rapidly changing industrial landscape.

The work to expand apprenticeship opportunities is underpinned by sustained Government investment. Since the formation of my Department in 2020, investment in apprenticeship delivery has more than doubled, from €184 million in 2020 to €415 million in 2026. In terms of apprentice registrations, by the end of 2025, there were 9,461 registrations, an increase of 78% from 5,326 in 2020.

Building on this momentum, the next Action Plan for Apprenticeship (2026-2030) will focus on further developing and growing Ireland's apprenticeship system as we work towards the Programme for Government commitment to increase annual registrations to 12,500 by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction-related areas. I look forward to publishing this new Action Plan later this year.