A key factor in relation to funding pressures has been the impact of various budget measures over recent years. With regards to the current year ONP funding (2017) and the rationale used, this has been calculated taking into account student enrolment numbers and head office costs. The 2017 initial allocation is higher than the initial 2016 allocation by over €150,000.
Since 2012, the overall grant has reduced slightly. This is to be expected as grant rates decreased in line with national budgetary cuts while enrolments in Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) have remained static. The context for such budget measures was the need to reduce Government expenditure so that the country’s finances could be stabilised and brought back to affordable levels.
The improvements in the economy have now started to result in some improvements in the funding levels for the ETB sector. The first step in this regard was the additional once-off funding that was provided to this sector in 2015 and 2016. CMETB received additional funding in the amount of €121,951 in 2015 and €443,000 towards the end of 2016.
The ONP grant is provided for the general running costs of schools and head office. SOLAS is the national agency with responsibility for the development and provision of further education and training which is responsive to the needs of learners and the requirements of a changing economy. Funding for initiatives provided in response to the local employment and economic situation is primarily routed through SOLAS.
