Written Answers Nos. 131-148
131. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the initiatives that he has facilitated to encourage the recruitment of apprentices to the construction sector in order to achieve construction targets as set out in Housing for All; if he is considering any additional measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51440/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key government priority is to ensure that we have world-leading skills to ensure a sustainable and equitable economy now and in the future.
The construction sector is no exception. We recognise the changes which have taken place and the response needed to support innovation in construction. We also recognise the need for targeted, collaborative and industry- focused opportunities available across the tertiary education and training system.
A key objective of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is to ensure that the apprenticeship system will increase its contribution to meeting Ireland’s skills and human capital requirements by delivering on a target of 10,000 annual apprenticeship registrations by 2025.
Among the 66 apprenticeships currently available, construction-related programmes include electrical, plumbing, carpentry and joinery, plastering, painting and decorating and the recently launched scaffolding apprenticeship. Curricula in existing apprenticeships are updated on an ongoing basis to keep pace with changes in industry practices and regulations.
In 2021, a record 8,607 new apprentices were registered. This was an almost 40% increase on the figures from 2019, the last “normal” pre-pandemic year. Of these registrations 62%, or 5,337, were in what we deem construction apprenticeship programmes. As of the end of September 2022, there have been 3,296 registrations in construction apprenticeships.
The Green Skills for FET Roadmap 2021-2030 was launched on the 23rd March. It incorporates the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021 (NRRP), and the Green Skills Action Programme which begun in 2021. The NRRP committed €29M to NZEB & Retrofit upskilling and reskilling programmes and €10M to Green Skills Modules. Under the Plan, 4,550 retrofit and NZEB standard places and 60,000 green skills places are to be provided by the end of 2022.
Three Centres of Excellence for NZEB and retrofitting training are officially opened in Waterford-Wexford ETB, Laois-Offaly ETB and Limerick-Clare ETB. Courses are also being delivered in Cork ETB and Mayo-Sligo-Leitrim ETB, and further courses will be provide through a sixth centre in Finglas, under CDETB.
The FutureBuilding Initiative was launched in May this year, with an aim to spearhead activation and recruitment for the construction sector along with supporting the industry by significantly scaling-up in education and training opportunities. It is a joint initiative between my Department and that of my colleague, Minister Humphreys. Recognising that we need to change the narrative around careers in construction, a large focus is on highlighting the range of occupational opportunities which exist across the sector.
The Department is also working with colleagues both in SOLAS, the HEA and other Government Departments to deliver an appropriate response to existing projections of skills needs in the construction sector. We expect to publish a report and corresponding tertiary action plan on how to address these needs shortly.
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide additional funding per registered PhD student to each university to allow them to pay an increased stipend, bringing their income in line with the €28,000 paid to individuals on the PhD Innovate for Ireland programme. [51670/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently collaborating with other stakeholders on the development of the Innovate for Ireland programme, which we do not expect to be in place before 2023.
The stipend determined for that programme will apply to the Innovate for Ireland programme only.
My Department is currently preparing a review of PhD provision. This review should conclude early next year, on the basis of available information, how issues of support for PhDs should be managed, mindful of the different stakeholders involved including DFHERIS competitive funders, HEA, HEIs, other public and private funders and the students themselves.
I should also explain that my Department allocates recurrent funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions and as autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding is a matter for the individual institution.
I might add that Impact 2030, Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy prioritises the nurturing and development of talent and excellence to build on Ireland’s reputation as an Island of Talent and a location for research excellence and impact. The strategy recognises that the quality of our researchers is fundamental to the quality of our research system, its collaboration with partners in industry and policymakers, both in Ireland and abroad. The strategy also highlights the need to foster an environment within the research and innovation community that supports our ambition to be an Island of Inclusion and Engagement.
134. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that all postgraduate psychology students are provided with funded doctorate programmes and to end the discrepancies in funding between clinical, educational and counselling psychologists; if he will abolish all fees for these programmes to address the chronic shortage of these professionals across the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51702/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions and therefore it is a matter for individual institutions to determine the rate of tuition fees for postgraduate academic programmes including psychology.
My Department is strongly committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams in our health services.
My Department understands there is a longstanding arrangement in place under which the HSE recruit Trainee Clinical Psychologists and sponsor their training in order to encourage employment with the HSE of suitably qualified professionals. This arrangement is made by the HSE and is not the responsibility of my Department. The question of whether similar arrangements should be put in place in relation to other psychological specialities in order to meet their workforce needs is a matter for consideration by the appropriate recruiting bodies.
Issues arising from sponsorships and employment eligibility in relation to psychologists, and indeed more generally, are matters for relevant employers rather than the responsibility of my Department.
135. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons that have qualified for a SUSI grant this year; the number of persons whose applications for a SUSI grant have been rejected and the number of students for whom a decision has yet to be reached on their grant application. [51337/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal support provided to students by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
As of 9 October 2022, 61,799 applications have been awarded, 13,248 have been refused and 6,729 are in progress or awaiting processing.
Of the 6,729 applications, 6,041 are awaiting supporting information from the applicant, 290 are awaiting initial assessment and 398 are awaiting final assessment.
Please note these figures are likely to change as processing for the 2022/23 academic year is ongoing.
136. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he recognises the need to remove all fees for and financial barriers to further and higher education given the shortage of graduates and postgraduates across multiple sectors of Ireland’s economy and public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51704/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraProgressive implementation of measures to address cost as a barrier to education is a key objective for my Department. I also recognise that costs are not limited to tuition fees and students have real cost of living challenges such as fuel, food or accommodation and have specific costs associated with their courses such as books or materials.
In Budget 2023, I gave priority to introducing a significant package of measures that will see students and families directly benefit and will help them tackle the challenges posed by the increased cost of living.
In 2022 these measures include:
- A reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution for 2022/23
- A reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices
- Additional maintenance payment for SUSI maintenance recipients in 2022
- an increase in the SUSI Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant
- increased funding for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year.
From January 2023, the SUSI special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance will increase by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates will increase by 10%.
Furthermore, from the academic year 2023/2024, I am introducing a new SUSI band whereby those eligible will have a €500 reduction on student contribution. This will benefit some 42,000 students.
I am also increasing the threshold for the student contribution 50% grant to benefit some 8,000 students for the next academic year.
The Post Graduate Fee Contribution Grant will increase by €500 from €3,500 to €4,000 from September 2023. We have also made changes to allowable income and reduced eligibility criteria for “second chance” mature students from 5 to 3 years.
These changes, in addition to previous measures such as removing the €200 PLC levy from September of this year, will see a real and tangible reduction in costs for students and families.
137. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports he has provided in Budget 2023 to help with the costs of going to college both in terms of fees and grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51362/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2023, I gave priority to introducing a significant package of measures that will see students and families directly benefit and will help them tackle the challenges posed by the increased cost of living.
In 2022 these measures include:
- Higher education students who are eligible for the fees initiative will benefit from a once off reduction in the student contribution rate of €1,000 for the 2022/2023 academic year. Students eligible for a 50% student contribution grant support as paid by SUSI will benefit proportionally and will see the amount they pay to their institution reduce from €1,500 to €1,000.
- A reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices for the 2022/2023 academic year
- A once-off additional maintenance payment to be paid on the 16th December 2022. This payment will be made to all students who are in receipt of a maintenance grant payment and will include PLC students, undergraduate students and postgraduate students who are in receipt of the Special Rate of Grant,
- Post Graduate Students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant will benefit from a once off increase in their grant of €1,000 from €3,500 to €4,500.
- I have also secured a further €8 million of funding for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. This will mean that for the 2022/23 academic year, there will be €17.1m available through this fund.
- PhD students funded by SFI and the IRC will also benefit from a once off payment of €500 in the current academic year.
In addition, all maintenance grants are increasing effective from January 2023 in order to provide further financial assistance to those students most in need. The special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance will increase by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates will increase by 10%. Students in the current academic year will see their grant payments increase proportionately once this measure comes into effect from January 2023. It is important to note that the increase which is effective from January 2023 will not be backdated to the start of the 2022/23 academic year.
Other measures that will offer relief to students for the 2023/2024 academic year include:
- A reduction of €500 in the student contribution fee for eligible grant applicants earning between €62,000 and €100,000; This measure will benefit some 42,000 students.
- The threshold for the student contribution 50% grant has been increased from €55,240 to €62,000; This measure will benefit some 8,000 students
- An increase in the Post Graduate fee Contribution Grant by €500 on 2022 levels from €3,500 to €4,000 from September 2023; This measure will benefit postgraduate students who are eligible for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution towards the cost of their Tuition Fees. That means postgraduate students whose reckonable income is up to €55,240 and who are not eligible for the special rate of grant will benefit.
- A €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
- A change to the eligibility criteria for “second chance” mature students as defined in the Student Grant Scheme reducing the period for a full break in studies from 5 to 3 years.
- Increase in the deduction allowable for student earnings outside of term time from €4,500 to €6,552 for academic year 2023/2024.
- Exclusion of rental income up to €14,000 declared to Revenue under the Government’s rent-a-room relief scheme when calculating reckonable income under the Student Grant Scheme.
These changes will see a real and tangible reduction in costs for students and families.
138. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding that he has provided to University College Cork and Munster Technological University to build student accommodation in 2023. [51644/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHistorically, Higher Education Institutions have used borrowings to develop their own student accommodation, without State support. Institutions have accessed financing at competitive rates from sources such as the Housing Finance Agency and the European Investment Bank.
In more recent times, the student accommodation sector has been impacted by the same construction inflation and global supply chain challenges affecting the wider construction sector, and this has presented challenges for the existing student accommodation model.
In this context, I have brought a proposal on student accommodation to the Cabinet Committee on Housing and received support to progress a new policy that supports the delivery of additional purpose-built student accommodation.
This would involve the State for the first time assisting higher education institutions with the cost of building student accommodation so as to ensure increased availability and promote greater access in particular for priority student groups in line with the National Access Plan. To advance this work I have recently established a dedicated Student Accommodation Unit to draft an updated policy for Student Housing and Accommodation as a matter of urgency. This unit will lead the examination and development of a range of policy options to increase supply in the context of Government's overall Housing for All policy.
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which arrangements continue to be made whereby an adequate supply of apprentices or graduates in the most urgently required areas continue to be available, having regard to the public demand and the need to provide for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is focused on driving a skills ecosystem and skills agenda in Ireland which is agile and flexible to priority skill needs, and to changes in the world of work driven by technology, to ensure Ireland has a skilled and productive workforce. Our approach to addressing these challenges is firmly rooted in collaborative partnership with enterprise and other stakeholders, and is central to our economic and social ambitions, as borne out in the 2021 Economic Recovery Plan.
Skillnet Ireland, the National Skills Council and the Regional Skills Fora network all work closely with my Department to foster engagement, dialogue, and collaboration between the education and training system, the enterprise agencies, and enterprise representatives in relation to skills priorities.
My Department’s project with the OECD to review Ireland’s skills approach has seen a comprehensive review throughout the year of these issues. Clear areas of focus emerging include our need to have more dynamic, granular, real-time data to inform how we respond rapidly to industry's needs, particularly across digital skills demands in all sectors; our intent to continue focus on short, flexible and blended skilling options for individuals entering and for people transitioning in the workforce; and, our ambition to progress ease of navigability through options for skilling and ensuring individualised, continuous learning journeys are enabled, encouraged and as easy as possible to undertake.
The effectiveness and impact of the whole of the tertiary education system – FET, HE & Apprenticeship – is enhanced when education and training provision, as well broader upskilling and reskilling opportunities, are informed by the experience, insights and expertise of the enterprise sector. We will only ensure the best possible skills and talent pipeline through working together and continuing to challenge each other as partners.
140. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of regularising the terms and conditions of adult education tutors employed by education and training boards; the timeline to address the outstanding commitments, recommendations, awards and claims within the terms of the quantum of the sectoral bargaining fund available for agreed sectoral bargaining units; if an agreed approach with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been reached; and when a proposal will be made to staff representatives with a view to resolving outstanding issues. [51641/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of industrial relations issues regarding adult education tutors have been under discussion for a number of years and progress has been made in resolving key issues, including the introduction of a consistent formula for awarding Contracts of Indefinite Duration across ETBs in 2017 and the provision of access to leave schemes, paid leave and access to the appropriate public sector pension scheme in 2019.
The claim to align adult education tutors to a pay scale of an existing grade in ETBs remains unresolved. The Labour Court recommended in 2020 that the Department identify the scale of cost it was prepared or able to absorb and make an offer within those parameters given the constraints applying under FEMPI legislation and the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) in relation to cost-increasing claims.
The Sectoral Bargaining Fund under Building Momentum is to deal with outstanding issues within the terms of the Fund and within the Exchequer funding limit in place.
My officials have been engaging with colleagues in the Department of Education, which has regulatory responsibility for the ETB Sector, and have prepared a joint proposal aimed at resolving the outstanding issue which is under consideration by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. My officials have met with the Unions on a regular basis on this matter and they will be sharing details of the proposal with the TUI and SIPTU representatives as part of the ongoing engagement regarding this claim.
142. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement that he has had with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth in relation to ensuring that Ukrainian refugees are supported in attending further and higher education, particularly in relation to accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51726/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are in touch with their colleagues in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth, who have primary responsibility for the provision of short-term emergency accommodation for displaced Ukrainians in Ireland. They have advised that, given the challenging environment in which it is currently operating, it not in a position to provide bespoke accommodation solutions to displaced persons unless they are deemed medically vulnerable.
143. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which he and his Department plan to expand apprenticeship offerings in the north-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51224/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress is being made in realising the ambition for apprenticeship set out in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. The further development and mainstreaming of apprenticeship in Ireland through the creation of a single unified apprenticeship system has a key role to play in meeting Ireland's skills needs in a manner that presents a valued proposition for apprentices and employers alike. Despite the challenges of Covid, significant progress has been made to date.
Just this week I was in Drogheda for the announcement of the Drogheda Training Hub. LMETB, working in partnership with employers, industry partners, and SOLAS have successfully secured support and permission for this innovative response to address the urgent need for craft apprentices in the construction and industrial sectors. The proposal will allow for a significant expansion of apprenticeship training in the Louth Meath area in key craft areas such as electrical trades.
In its Training Centre in Dundalk, LMETB provides Craft Apprenticeship Programmes in all craft areas including Pipe Fitting at Phase 4, as well as apprenticeship programmes in Electrical, Motor, Carpentry and Joinery, Metal Fabrication, and Plumbing.
In response to Government initiatives and political imperative in the area of construction, LMETB has increased the frequency and number of electrical apprenticeship programmes doubling the capacity of the centre and using all existing space available. By extension of this work, the securing of premises in Drogheda to provide for an additional eight electrical programmes running continuously throughout the year will contribute greatly in the need to address the requirements of the sector.
We are delivering a training facility wholly dedicated to electrical apprentices. When fitted out, it will provide a state of the art training centre and help to alleviate the delays faced by apprentices in what is an enduringly popular profession.
I am particularly pleased to see progress being made in qualifying more electricians- they have an important contribution to make in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. When operational, this facility will ensure a meaningful contribution to one of the greatest cross-generational challenges facing our society.
As well as climate targets, the facility will make a valuable contribution to the availability of skilled workers in the construction industry, helping to achieve the ambition set out in Housing for All .
At a local level, having over 300 apprentices attending the facility will be a huge boost for the area’s economy. It will help to support businesses and job creation here in Drogheda and the surrounding area, as the apprentices will need to avail of accommodation, services, and hospitality.
This represents a tangible demonstration of the desire and the will of Government to work to address the skills challenges of our time, and to support balanced regional development.
With this week’s announcement for Drogheda and LMETB, I can assure Deputy O’Dowd that the North-East occupies a strong position in the transformation of Ireland’s apprenticeship system, now and into the future.
144. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the need to establish a veterinary college in the province of Munster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51222/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department have been engaging extensively with the Higher Education Authority and the higher education sector to identify where additional places can and should be provided in the higher education system. The Higher Education Authority are currently developing a request for Expressions of Interest to issue to the sector targeted at specific areas including veterinary provision.
There are significant practical elements and placement requirements as part of Veterinary Medicine Programme provision, including appropriate laboratory facilities to ensure it meets the necessary standards of the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
Ensuring a supply of qualified Vets to meet the demands of the sector is a priority for my Department. Workforce planning requirements for the veterinary medicine sector would require advice from and consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Veterinary Council of Ireland, as the regulators of the profession.
145. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the new Innovate for Ireland scheme will be open for applicants; and the criteria that potential applicants will need to meet in order to be eligible for the scheme. [51682/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra595. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the new Innovate for Ireland scheme will be open for applicants; the criteria that potential applicants will need to meet in order to be eligible for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51735/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra597. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the new innovate for Ireland scheme will be open for applicants and the criteria potential applicants will need to meet in order to be eligible for the scheme. [51742/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 595 and 597 together.
The Taoiseach and I recently launched Innovate for Ireland, which is a new partnership between industry and the Government to recruit and retain research talent to Ireland.
Innovate for Ireland should commence in 2023 and the initial phase will seek to attract up to 400 high calibre PhD students to undertake research in Ireland that tackles national and global grand challenges such as climate change and climate adaptation; global health and pandemics; water poverty; digital society; and cyber-security.
The programme will embrace all relevant disciplines from Science, Technology and Engineering to Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. It will also support excellent curiosity-driven research. This programme aligns with my Department's Strategy Statement 2021-2023 and also the strategic goals of the Government’s R&I Strategy, Impact 2030.
The programme will include dimensions of training in innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. Relationships will also be formed between the students and the company sponsors.
The initiative will be open to Irish and international students.
The next step in implementing this proposal will be the development of a robust governance and financial management framework, following which a competitive funding call should be initiated.
Work has been undertaken by my Department, the Higher Education Authority, Irish Research Council, Science Foundation Ireland, Health Research Board and private sponsors on devising a possible call framework.
Officials from my Department will also be working with relevant Departments across Government on the implementation of the programme.
146. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has had any contact with Carlow College St. Patrick's with regard to bringing about the full integration of Carlow College St. Patrick’s into the higher education system in the south east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51571/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth I and my officials have been engaged with Carlow College St Patrick's over the course of the last year and more. As the Deputy is aware the College is seeking to be integrated into the publicly funded higher education system in the South East, and would like to be incorporated into the new South East Technological University (SETU).
SETU is an institution established under the TU Act 2018, and it is entirely a matter for the governing body of SETU as to whether it would wish to incorporate the College or part thereof into the new TU. I can not direct SETU on these matters.
Given the financial challenges faced by the College, my Department is also working closely with it on potential supports in the immediate term. I understand that officials are awaiting material from the College in this regard.
Ultimately, the decision to proceed, and the terms of any potential future integration of CCSP into the public higher education system via SETU will be a matter for the governing bodies of the two institutions.
147. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of plans to upgrade the 1974 building in Munster Technological University, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51496/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMunster Technological University (MTU) received approval in principle in December 2019 for exchequer funding in the amount of €18.75m for extensive upgrade and refurbishment of the 1974 Building at its Cork Campus. This funding represents a key investment for the Campus and will further boost the role played by MTU as a driver of economic development in the southern region.
The 1974 building caters for a large proportion of the MTU Cork student population, with approximately 85% of the Faculty of Engineering and Science being accommodated within the building. The investment will facilitate the continued growth of MTU Cork’s STEM provision, in line with the objectives of the National Skills Strategy 2025, demographic growth projections and industry needs in the region and nationally.
The works are scheduled by MTU to be delivered on a phased basis. To date, four work packages have been completed with a fifth package of works due to be completed by the end of 2022. Further packages of works are scheduled over the 2023 -2025 period.
To date in 2022, c.€6.084m of the approved project funding has been drawn down by MTU
148. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the development of Cavan Institute as a hub for further education and training. [51140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain firmly committed to supporting Cavan Institute as a hub for further education and training in Cavan town and the wider region.
The Deputy will be aware that it was agreed that the Cavan Institute project, which was previously part of the Department of Education school building programme, would be advanced as part of the new Further Education and Training (FET) capital funding programme under my Department.
As part of the agreed process for appraisal of major FET capital projects, a Strategic Assessment Report in relation to Cavan Institute was submitted by Cavan Monaghan ETB to SOLAS. This report is currently part of a SOLAS-led assessment process, together with other proposals from the sector. The outcome of this initial strategic assessment is expected to be communicated to CMETB shortly. The next stage will see proposals proceed to the development of a detailed business case.
To address the short and medium term accommodation needs for FET services in Cavan Town, I have also granted approval for the purchase of a new modular unit for CMETB. This unit will be located at the FET campus at the former Dún Uí Neill Army barracks and will be fully operational for the start of the academic term in January 2023.
This development will enable the delivery of a range of further education programmes, including but not limited to: music production, science, beauty, sports, animal care, sports therapy and general skills programmes. It will also provide canteen and sports facilities and office space.
