Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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582. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason SOLAS has not provided funding to Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board, which has resulted in the postponement of some autumn courses and the tutors on the affected courses being laid-off without any indication as to how long they will be laid-off; and the actions he is taking to ensure this funding is provided by SOLAS without delay. [38974/24]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department has significantly increased its investment in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector in the last number of years, from circa €909 million in 2020 to €1,055 million in 2024 (excluding capital allocation).

As the state agency responsible for the FET sector in Ireland, SOLAS allocates the bulk of this funding to the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB) to deliver FET programmes and services at local level, based on agreed learner numbers and programmes.

SOLAS have confirmed that the 2024 allocation for Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) is €35.026m, increased from €34.15m in 2023 (excluding capital). The administration and allocation of this funding across different FET programmes is a matter for the individual ETB.

However, I am aware that there is a significant funding pressure in the FET sector this and I am working with my officials and SOLAS to address the overall funding need in the forthcoming Supplementary Estimates, with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.