4179. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a report on the progress made implementing the programme for Government commitments within his remit relating to apprenticeships since the formation of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55357/26]

Since the formation of the Government, I have advanced a broad programme of work in my department to implement Programme for Government commitments related to apprenticeship. Key achievements include:

Expand the CAO system to include more apprenticeship options.

Since 2023, apprenticeship opportunities have been promoted through the CAO system via a direct link to apprenticeship.ie. This has increased awareness of apprenticeship pathways among school leavers and prospective learners and strengthened the visibility of apprenticeships alongside other post-secondary education options.

Grow apprenticeship registrations to at least 12,500 by 2030, and develop and launch a new 5-year Apprenticeship Action Plan for 2026-2030 to set a strategic vision for the sector and expand the skills categories.

Apprenticeship participation continues to increase. The number of apprentices in training grew from 29,772 at the end of 2024 to 31,165 at the end of 2025, representing growth of 5%.

There are currently 87 apprenticeship programmes available across a wide range of sectors. During 2026, nine new programmes have been launched, including: Software Testing Associate, Business and Operations, Social Care and Paramedicine, Additional programmes are under development, reflecting the continued expansion of the apprenticeship system to meet emerging skills needs.

Work is also underway on the new National Strategy for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning 2026–2030, which is scheduled for publication in the second half of 2026. The strategy will set out a long-term vision for the continued growth and development of apprenticeships.

Work with the National Skills Council to update apprenticeship curriculums to meet today’s industry standards.

The National Skills Council continues to provide independent strategic advice on skills development, helping to ensure education and training policies remain aligned with labour market and future workforce needs.

To strengthen the relevance and quality of apprenticeship programmes, responsibility for craft apprenticeship curriculum development, assessment and awarding is being transferred from SOLAS and QQI to education providers. This reform will enhance academic standards, maintain alignment with industry requirements, and support Ireland's response to demographic change, climate transition and digitalisation.

Ensure the Apprenticeship Employer Grant maximises the number of people starting and completing apprenticeships.

Supporting employers and apprentices to engage with apprenticeships continues to be a priority for me, and this will be a key theme of the new National Strategy for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning 2026–2030.

Maintain the Gender Based Bursary and bursary funding to encourage participation from underrepresented groups in apprenticeships

The Government remains committed to improving participation among underrepresented groups in apprenticeships.

Since the introduction in 2022 of a €2,666 grant for employers participating in apprenticeship programmes where more than 80% of participants are from a single gender, female participation has increased by 95%, rising from 1,531 apprentices to 2,579 apprentices by the end of 2025. Women now account for approximately 9% of all apprentices, compared with 6% when the measure was introduced.