Dublin, 8 October 2025 — Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has secured Cabinet approval to bring forward legislation amending the National Training Fund (NTF) Act, paving the way for a €1.5 billion investment package in Ireland’s tertiary education sector.
Funding Breakdown
The six-year package, announced in Budget 2025 and running from 2025 to 2030, will be directed toward strengthening higher education, skills development, and research:
- €650 million for higher education, with an additional €150 million increase by 2030.
- €600 million in capital funding to expand training facilities in healthcare, veterinary, and further education, alongside research supports such as higher PhD stipends.
- €235 million in one-off current funding for skills programmes and apprenticeships.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Lawless described the NTF as “one of our most powerful tools” for equipping people with skills to retrain, enter the workforce, or progress in their careers. He noted that a significant surplus had accumulated in the Fund, making it necessary to amend the legislation to release resources where they are most needed.
“These changes are targeted, practical and necessary,” he said, adding that the package would support thousands of learners annually, provide upskilling opportunities for small and medium enterprises, and nurture the next generation of research talent.
Legislative Path
The Bill will now be brought before the Oireachtas, with the government aiming to enact it by the end of the year. Once passed, the reforms will allow the NTF to channel its surplus into long-term investment in education, training, and research, while maintaining its original purpose of supporting skills and employment.
Department-of-Education-Ireland-Picture-by-Jean-Housen
Sources: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Gov.ie Press Release gov.ie.
