Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2022

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Ceisteanna (186)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he is satisfied regarding suitable premises to accommodate post leaving certificate students in Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Naas, Clane and Kilcock, County Kildare; the extent to which provision continues to be made to enable such students gain access to suitable courses in appropriately fitted out buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10201/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

As the Deputy will be aware the National Development Plan commits to a step up in investment in further education and training infrastructure. Under plans being developed by my Department, it is projected that expenditure will increase from less than €20m in 2020 to approximately €100m by 2025.

As part of this commitment, I recently announced a new and significantly more ambitious phase of capital investment in the FET sector. This will provide the ETBs with a framework to put forward new projects in 2022 to both upgrade and enhance FET infrastructure and advance the priorities of the Future FET Strategy – building skills, fostering inclusion and facilitating pathways.

It is open to all ETBs including KWETB to apply for funding under this new funding call framework.