Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2019
30. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if works on permanent places for all colleges of further education have been ceased in 2019 pending the completion of a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42525/19]
View answerProject Ireland 2040 provides for a €300 million capital funding envelope for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector over the period 2018-2027. This is the first time that a dedicated multi-annual capital envelope has been set out for the sector.
The development of a new FET strategy covering the period 2020-2024 is underway. Consultation undertaken has identified capital infrastructure and investment as both a key barrier and potential critical enabler to the next phase of integrated FET development.
Work is ongoing on setting a clear direction for capital investment within the FET strategy. While no existing works or appraisal processes have been suspended, it is clear that proposals for the development of new FET facilities will need to be assessed within the context of overall FET strategic objectives, value for money considerations and levels of available capital funding.
