Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
868. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that an adequate number of courses are provided in colleges of further education throughout the country in relation to different professions providing healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35390/23]
View answerFurther Education and Training (FET) courses are delivered, or contracted, by the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across the country at levels 1-6 on the NFQ. While this is under the funding and strategic direction of SOLAS, the ETBs decide on the level and nature of provision, including healthcare-related courses, based on local demand in consultation with SOLAS.
In 2022, just over 6,000 beneficiaries took part in FET healthcare-related courses. This year, the planned FET provision for healthcare-related courses is at a similar level.
Additionally, SOLAS, in conjunction with the Central Statistics Office, has recently completed research, which focused on the learner outcomes for healthcare learners in FET. Their research report highlights the many positive outcomes for learners, who complete their healthcare training provision in the FET system. This Report is available on the SOLAS website.
