Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
153. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the total allocation of capital grants (devolved capital grant and the further education capital grants) to the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board in 2023; the likely allocation for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45555/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan (NDP) published in 2021 provided clarity on Departmental capital ceilings for the period 2022 – 2025. A dedicated capital envelope was established for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector, amounting to €300m over the decade 2018-2027. Available funding has increased from €5.5 million in 2018 to €17.5 million in 2020 and a planned investment of €59.5 million in 2023.
Funding for FET capital works is distributed to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) under a number of funding streams via established application processes, new programme calls announced in 2022 and through devolved funding programmes.
FET funding includes the Emergency Health and Safety Works Grant, to address emergency, health and safety works; the Devolved Capital Allocation which allows ETBs to address a range of small-scale projects at a local level and the Apprenticeship Fund with capital investment primarily for extensive equipment requirement for craft apprenticeships, to delivery off-the-job training in ETB training centres.
Regarding the FET Devolved Capital Grant I wish to advice of my announcement earlier this month of €5.4 million. This followed an Expression of Interest process, approved by my Department in early summer, with over 120 suitable projects identified. This approval was in addition to the annual allocation of €8 million distributed in April to the ETBs.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board has received €3.08 million to date from the 2023 FET capital allocation.
My Department’s overall allocation under the National Development Plan for Further Education and training in 2024 is €66m, a further significant increase on previous years.
