Sean Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Cabinet approval to begin drafting legislation that will unlock a €1.5 billion funding package for the tertiary education sector, strengthening the delivery of skills, training and research from 2025 to 2030.

The legislative changes, brought forward by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD, will enable the State to draw down the accumulated surplus in the National Training Fund — expected to reach €1.8 billion by the end of this year — and ensure the fund continues to deliver on its core purpose of supporting employability, upskilling and economic resilience.

Minister Canney said: “This is a major step forward and a very welcome move by Government. The National Training Fund is an essential tool in supporting workers and learners, and unlocking €1.5 billion over six years will make a real difference in preparing people for the jobs of today and the future. This package will drive progress across further and higher education, including apprenticeships, skills development, and research — all of which are critical to Ireland’s continued economic success and social inclusion. A well-resourced further and higher education sector is vital not only for developing the talent our economy needs, but also for supporting local communities as major employers and hubs of cultural and sporting life. As committed to in the Programme for Government, we are now closing the core funding gap by unlocking the National Training Fund.”

The €1.5 billion investment includes:

€650 million in core funding for Higher Education, delivering on Funding the Future commitments and increasing core provision by a further €150 million by 2030.
€600 million in capital investment to enhance facilities for skills development — including healthcare, veterinary and further education training — and to support access to research and innovation.
€235 million in once-off current funding to boost the capacity of the tertiary system, with a focus on apprenticeships and targeted skills programmes.

Minister Canney added: “This package will help ensure we have a skilled workforce ready to meet our needs. It is also about ensuring people have pathways to fulfilling careers, no matter what stage of life they are at.”