Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
139. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of a capital application process for projects within the educational and training board sector; when new applications can be submitted for capital projects by organisations such as Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6363/22]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) provides for a step up in capital funding and a significantly more ambitious phase of capital investment in the FET sector. My Department, in conjunction with SOLAS, is undertaking significant planning work to build up the governance, strategic framework and delivery capability required to underpin and support this major programme of FET investment.
I will shortly confirm a framework for applications for new FET capital projects, in line with the provisions of the Public Spending Code and the Future FET Strategy. This will provide the Education Training Boards (ETB) with a framework to put forward new projects that will both upgrade and enhance FET infrastructure and that will advance the priorities of the Future FET Strategy – building skills, fostering inclusion and facilitating pathways. All relevant details around the application process will be included as part of the programme call to the sector.
