Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has criticised the Government’s management of the National Training Fund (NTF), revealing that the fund generated a €283 million surplus in 2025 while expenditure remained significantly below income.
The figures, released to Deputy Nolan following a parliamentary question, reveal that in 2025 the NTF, which is financed by a levy on employers, is expected to have collected €1.297 billion in levy income but spent only €1.014 billion, leaving a substantial surplus.
For 2026, the Revised Estimates forecast income of €1.326 billion against expenditure of €1.154 billion, resulting in a projected surplus of €172 million.
The surpluses are forecast to rise steadily each year, reaching €365 million by 2030, with expenditure remaining virtually unchanged from 2026 levels.
Commenting on the figures, Deputy Nolan said:
“Irish employers are paying significant amounts into the National Training Fund every year through the 1% levy. This money is taken directly from business payroll costs with the clear purpose of developing skills, expanding apprenticeships, and supporting workforce training.”
“Many rural and agricultural businesses across Ireland are also paying the full 1% NTF levy. Networks such as Farm Business Skillnet provide valuable subsidised training in farm management, sustainability and rural skills. However, with hundreds of millions accumulating in unused surpluses, it is clear that far more could and should be directed towards practical, industry-led training for the agri-food sector and rural communities.”
“Instead, we are seeing hundreds of millions of euros accumulating in surpluses while training expenditure is effectively frozen.”
“A €283 million surplus in 2025 alone is unacceptable when businesses are struggling to find skilled workers and many people are waiting for training places.”
“By 2030 the projected annual surplus will reach €365 million. This is hardly what you would call good financial management. We have to remember that this all based on money extracted from employers. It should be actively invested in apprenticeships, reskilling programmes, and addressing Ireland’s skills shortages rather than sitting unused in the Fund.”
Deputy Nolan has called on the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, to urgently review NTF spending priorities and ensure that the large and growing surpluses are redirected towards meaningful training and apprenticeship programmes.