Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 July 2014
91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the detailed and comprehensive proposal submitted by Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board for the provision of training in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if she will approve this proposal without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31995/14]
View answerThe 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 and the remaining 12 training centres transferred to 7 ETBs on 1 July 2014. Each training centre, including the training centre in Dundalk which provides training services within the functional area of Cavan and Monaghan ETB, is coming under the ETB in whose functional area the centre is located. 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. As part of this process, my Department received a proposal on 24 June last from Cavan and Monaghan ETB regarding the delivery of training in Cavan and Monaghan for 2015 onwards. A meeting between the CEOs of Louth and Meath ETB and Cavan and Monaghan ETB has been agreed with a view to planning for training provision in Cavan and Monaghan from 2015 onwards. This meeting is expected to take place shortly. Both parties and SOLAS have also agreed that a representative from SOLAS will attend the meeting having regard to the experience and knowledge of SOLAS in this area. My Department will await the outcome of this meeting before considering this matter further.
