Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021

Tuesday, 28 September 2021

Questions (548)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

548. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the previous commitments given by the Department of Education pertaining to further education building projects previously included in the Department of Education building plan and notified to colleges will be honoured; when these projects will receive approval from his Department to appoint a design team; the measures being taken to ensure that such projects do not suffer adversely or be delayed due to the change in departmental structure; if appropriate capital funds are available to his Department to ensure no delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46308/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Prior to the current National Development Plan (NDP), there was no dedicated capital investment envelope for the further education and training (FET) sector. The most urgent issues were addressed as part of the Department of Education’s school building programme (plus a small equipment allocation) but there was little opportunity to take a strategic or long-term approach to investment.

Under the current NDP, a dedicated capital envelope was established for the FET sector for the first time. At this time, funding is being largely directed to address the most immediate health and safety issues, and to support the expansion of apprenticeship provision. Also, a Devolved Capital Grant of just over €8m has been extended to the FET sector for 2021. This grant can be used by ETBs for a range of capital priorities, including preparatory work for larger investments, such as the commissioning of building condition surveys.

My Department is working with SOLAS and the ETB sector to build up the governance, strategic framework and delivery capability required for the implementation of a FET capital programme over the coming years. The outcome of the review of the NDP, expected in the near future, will inform the level of resources available for the programme, including large-scale FET capital projects.

We continue to work closely with SOLAS and the ETB sector on all such matters.

Question No. 549 answered with Question No. 542.