Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
230. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the relationship between SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards; the way the two bodies cooperate to achieve the best outcomes for citizens' skill needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32377/14]
View answerThe respective roles of SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are set out in the Further Education and Training Act 2013 and the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. SOLAS is responsible for the funding, strategic co-ordination and direction of further education and training (FET) in Ireland. The provision of this education and training is undertaken by the 16 ETBs. The framework for the development of the sector is set out in the FET Strategy 2014-2019, which was published by SOLAS in April. One of the five strategic objectives set out in the strategy is to improve the way in which FET is planned and funded. This will be done through the preparation of annual integrated education and training service plans, the first of which was published earlier this year. The plans will bring together the full range of provision in the sector. The service planning process will enable provision to be planned to best serve the needs of the labour market and learners. The process will also involve target setting and ongoing evaluation in areas such as participation, retention and certification. The annual service planning process is defined by SOLAS and they prepare the plans based on information supplied by the ETBs following extensive local consultation with employers, Intreo offices and other key stakeholders.
Strategic co-operation between SOLAS and the ETBs will also be critical to delivering under the remaining strategic objectives set out in the FET strategy, such as improving the quality and standing of FET.
