Skip to main content
Pact for Skills
  • Call for proposals
  • Open

European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) - Ireland

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is the public authority responsible for the implementation of ESF+ in Ireland.

Details

Status
Open
Publication date
2 March 2023
Opening date
Deadline model
Single-stage
Deadline date
31 December 2027, 23:59 (CET)
Industrial Ecosystem
  • Cross-sectoral
Level of funding
  • National level

Description

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is the public authority responsible for the implementation of ESF+ in Ireland and manages the national Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) programme.

The programme has a budget of just over EUR 1 billion and aims to enhance qualifications and skills, promote job opportunities, and foster a more inclusive society with equal opportunities for young people, women, and disadvantaged groups. It focuses on expanding skills and lifelong learning, offering upskilling and reskilling courses, and improving access to basic skills training. Social inclusion projects will support vulnerable groups, including migrants and early school leavers, with comprehensive employment programmes and social support services. Additionally, the programme will fund social innovation measures to promote better social inclusion. 

By 2029, over 90,000 participants will benefit from upskilling, more than 20,000 children will receive better social services, and over 6,000 people with disabilities will be supported in finding suitable employment.

Useful links

Link to managing authority

Link to funding opportunities