I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
SOLAS has informed me that it has not allocated any capital funding for new kitchen training facilities in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016. The capital allocation for FET in 2017 has not been finalised at this point.
Education and Training Boards (ETB) have a statutory responsibility to have their programmes validated by the external quality assurance body Quality and Qualifications Ireland. ETBs are therefore responsible for developing curricula for their programmes. This process is undertaken collaboratively with other ETBs.
Apprenticeships are designed to be delivered on a national basis, with only a single apprenticeship in place for each occupation. The development of the curriculum for the new Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme is being led by Cork Education and Training Board with industry partners. The occupational profile for this apprenticeship was approved by the Apprenticeship Council and the programme will be available for delivery across the ETBs.
Earlier this year, the Hospitality Skills Oversight Group was established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the 2015 report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in relation to the hospitality sector.
The Group has met several times since it was established and a number of key actions are being progressed including an audit of courses and culinary facilities within both the Further and Higher education sectors with a view to obtaining a complete overview of existing courses and facilities, so as to identify gaps in provision and to encourage collaboration and sharing of facilities where possible.