Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 July 2018
210. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the agreed apprentice school at a site (details supplied) in County Kildare; and the possibility of partnering the school with Carlow Institute of Technology. [29535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther Education and Training (FET) provision, including apprenticeship training, is planned at a national level by SOLAS. Applications for funding for FET are made to SOLAS by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) as part of the overall FET planning process. It is a matter for the management of each ETB to decide on the allocation of funding to FET programmes and to schools and colleges within their area.
As part of its role in providing further education and training options for learners in the region KWETB works closely with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the local partnership, enterprise and Institutes of Technology (including Carlow) in relation to opportunities and progression routes for learners.
I understand from KWETB that while exploratory discussions took place between Kildare County Council (KCC) and KWETB in 2016 and 2017 no formal arrangements were agreed in relation to the Model School in Athy. KWETB have indicated that they would welcome a meeting with KCC to discuss the matter further.
