AQW 49829/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 29/06/2026
Answered On Date: 15/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, given the recent communication on a reduction in funding for skills programmes, to detail any assessment that has been made in relation to the impact on (i) apprenticeship starts; (ii) adult upskilling and reskilling; (iii) employer workforce development; (iv) opportunities for rural communities; (v) women returning to work; and (vi) older workers.

Answer:

The current budget decisions are being made by my Department’s Permanent Secretary in the context of contingency funding allocations and should not be read as reflecting my ministerial priorities or decisions.

My Department's equality screening concluded that the proposed measures would have minor adverse impacts in relation to age, sex, disability and dependants.

Existing apprentices will continue to be supported and the Department will continue to monitor participation and impacts.