Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2024
201. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will agree to ensuring that a threshold of core funding is put in place to enable supported training organisations such as the National Learning Network to carry out their vital role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9652/24]
View answerSpecialist Training Providers (STPs) are significant partners in assisting us address the identified training needs of people with disabilities who are experiencing exclusion and labour market disadvantage in the form of vocational training programmes. The National Learning Network (NLN) is the largest STP and is a key stakeholder under the FET Strategy. The NLN delivers personalised education, training and development opportunities for people with disabilities on behalf of the ETBs. SOLAS allocates funding on an annual basis to ETBs, who in turn provide funding to the NLN and other STPs under the Specialist Training Programme. While the funding allocation for STPs for 2024 has yet to be finalised, the allocation is expected to be similar to the 2023 allocation, which was some €40m.
