Cathal Crowe
Question:347. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the annual budget for Solas. [2237/24]
View answerThursday, 18 January 2024
Questions (347)
Written answers
My Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund to deliver Further Education and Training (FET) programmes and services throughout the country. As set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2024, the 2024 allocation is over €1.121 billion and will continue to build on the Government’s commitment to provide our citizens with various levels of skills through FET programmes to enable them to succeed in the labour market and fully participate in society. The allocation comprises €524,690,000 current expenditure (including pension provision); €65,500,000 capital expenditure and €531,270,000 National Training Fund expenditure. This allocation represents an increase of approximately 10% on SOLAS’ 2023 allocation. Over €245 million will be directed to learners already in the workforce including apprenticeships and Skills to Advance courses. Employees and employers will continue to benefit from upskilling and reskilling opportunities provided via a wide and diverse range of FET courses. Over €285 million will provide training courses to learners preparing to enter/re-enter the workforce including PLC courses and Skills to Compete. SOLAS allocates the bulk of this funding to the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). FET provision includes both labour market focused programmes and programmes with a strong social inclusion dimension. FET programmes are delivered in a wide range of settings including Post-Leaving Certificate and Further Education Colleges, Training Centres, Youthreach and adult education centres. FET is also provided through community and voluntary groups, commercial training providers and in workplaces.