Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 October 2018
160. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the €13,176,000 capital allocation in skills development (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44536/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther Education and Training (FET) provides learners with key intermediate level skills, enhancing the productivity and adaptability of the Irish workforce. It is delivered in a range of settings throughout the country, with FET providers firmly embedded in local communities. A priority for my Department, is to improve the quality of the settings in which FET is delivered, in order to better respond to the needs of learners and employers.
The National Development Plan includes a €300m capital envelope for FET over the course of 10 year period 2018-2027. With €65m already agreed for 2018-21, this represents an additional €235m over the remaining period of Plan.
The total planned allocation for Further Education and Training purposes under the National Development Plan for 2019 to 2022 is outlined in the following table:
|
SUBHEAD |
2019 (€m) |
2020 (€m) |
2021 (€m) |
2022 (€m) |
|
Further Education and Training |
13.000 |
18.000 |
28.000 |
30.000 |
The additional capital supports will be prioritised to address issues with the condition of the existing capital stock, to roll out critical new apprenticeship syllabi and courses, and to consolidate the provision of further education and training in modern fit-for-purpose facilities that enable the delivery of high quality integrated programmes.
SOLAS, the state agency responsible for further education and training, is engaging with individual ETBs to identify the necessary capital requirements for 2019 through the service planning process. Given the lack of a dedicated capital budget for FET prior to 2018, some investment will be required in the existing capital stock as well as meeting equipment requirements in the apprenticeship area before major new building projects are initiated.
