936. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to enhance and expand apprenticeships since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53484/26]

The Government is committed to having in place an apprenticeship system that supports Ireland’s current and future skills needs.

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. This has been accompanied by a large growth in apprentice registrations, from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,461 by the end of 2025, an increase of 78%.

The choice of apprenticeships continues to expand also and ranges from skilled trades to ICT to Logistics.  There are now nearly 90 apprenticeship programmes, with more in development.

Innovative programmes to support key government priorities have been launched this year such as the Social Care apprenticeship, at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, and further launches are planned, for example Spatial Planning Level 8.

The new Civil Engineering apprenticeship Level 8 programme at Atlantic Technological University means that a clear progression pathway from NFQ level 6 to degree level via apprenticeship now exists for Civil Engineering which supports our national housing and infrastructure goals.

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board recently launched a new apprenticeship in Robotics and Automation, Level 6, demonstrating how new, agile learning pathways are helping industry respond to a rapidly changing industrial landscape.

All new apprenticeship programmes since 2016 follow the consortia-led apprenticeship model. The application and assessment process for these is currently under review by SOLAS and the HEA. The findings will help prioritise future programme development, ensure stronger alignment with national skills and workforce needs, while also confirming that the apprenticeship model remains the most appropriate delivery mechanism. The review is expected to conclude shortly with a revised process to be communicated to stakeholders in Quarter 3 2026.

In addition, my department is progressing reforms as committed to in the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. Central to this is strengthening craft apprenticeship provision by transferring curriculum development and programme validation from SOLAS and QQI to education providers.

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. I look forward to publishing this new Action Plan later this year.