AQW 49829/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
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.
Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 29 June 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 29 June 2026
- Answer due by
- 16 July 2026
- Answered
- 15 July 202616 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
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.