Departmental Bodies

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Ceisteanna (495)

Frankie Feighan

Ceist:

495. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an outline of the total level of public funds spent by SOLAS towards an electronic marking system for adult and apprenticeship programmes; the progress of this project; the breakdown of this spend, detailing how much was allocated to a software company (details supplied) and other companies; the actual overall cost, inclusive of SOLAS working hours, travel and subsistence; if there is any decision on its future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11559/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

The information sought is currently being compiled by SOLAS and will be forwarded to the Deputy when complete.

The TENRCS system was originally designed by FAS to facilitate the recording and aggregation of test results and store summarized results in the RCCRS (Results Capture Certification Request) system for the purpose of onward submission to certifying bodies. At the time of its original development, the system operated and was dependent on what is now FAS legacy data infrastructure.

Following the establishment of the 16 Education and Training Boards, the data infrastructure involved was phased out and replaced by a new FET data infrastructure based around the a new Programme & Learner Support System (PLSS). Consideration is currently being given to any further development of the TENRCS system in light of the need to re-configure it to the new FET data infrastructure as well as other advances in technology and plans for the migration of craft apprenticeships as set out in the Apprenticeship Action Plan 2021-2025.

Original Tender Costs:

TENRCS - Development Costs €227,952

Annual Support €61,500

Re-Activation (changes) €111,192

Total €400,644

The total third party cost paid out to date is €400,644.