Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
272. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional funding made available for institutes of technology and further education colleges in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37537/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra273. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional further education and training places provided in counties Cavan and Monaghan for the 2020-2021 term. [37538/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) received a significant increase in budget allocation from SOLAS in 2020. The funding allocation to CMETB in 2019 was €18,533,460, and the provisional allocation for 2020 is €25,779,000.
A diverse range of full time and part time courses are available across the further education and training (FET) sector and learners commence programmes throughout the year. While there has been a significant increase in CMETB's allocation from 2019 to 2020, it should be noted that the Covid-19 health emergency has affected the diverse range of FET programmes in learners in a number of ways. Funding has been provided to meet Covid costs, including to provide additional supports to learners, but accurate participation figures and a final financial outturn will only be available after year end.
There are no Institutes of Technology in either Cavan or Monaghan at present.
