Education and Training Boards Staff

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Questions (92)

Brendan Smith

Question:

92. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the new arrangements for the provision of training through the education and training boards and the proposal to transfer the financial provision for training from Dundalk Training Centre to the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board and similarly the new arrangements for the IT system, if he will confirm that the appropriate staffing complement will also be transferred from Dundalk to the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board by the end of 2014 to enable that ETB to meet its training obligations as provided for in legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27771/14]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The reform of the further education and training (FET) sector envisages a key role for education and training boards (ETBs) in relation to the future delivery of FET in an integrated manner. Part of this involves the transfer of training centres from SOLAS to ETBs. 7 training centres and their staff transferred to ETBs on 1 January 2014. A further 12 training centres will transfer to 7 ETBs on 1 July 2014. Each training centre is moving to the ETB in whose functional area the centre is located. In the case of Dundalk Training Centre, it will become part of Louth and Meath ETB on 1 July 2014. 5 ETBs, including Cavan and Monaghan ETB, are not receiving a training centre.

There has been extensive discussion on this matter between ETBs, SOLAS and the Department. While recognising that the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 provides for all ETBs having training functions, the paramount consideration for my Department is the continuity of training services for learners. An agreed position for 2014 is in place whereby ETBs with training centres retain primary responsibility for training and continue to provide services to areas which do not have training centres. There is a process underway to consider the position for 2015 and beyond and a number of options are being examined.