Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last week I was sitting in the Gallery wondering if I would ever be here and now I am. I also thank Senator Wilson for his kind comments. I appreciate them. It will be nice to work with him on matters such as this, which affect us all.

I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline the position on the planning for training provision in the Cavan and Monaghan area from 2015 onwards. The Further Education and Training Strategy 2014-2019 was published by SOLAS in April and sets out a way forward for the sector. One of the key initiatives in the strategy is the production each year of an integrated further education and training service plan. The first of these plans was produced this year and is available on the SOLAS website.

The annual planning process will be informed by an analysis of need in each ETB area and includes engagement with key stakeholders. A comprehensive analysis of available statistical data will be undertaken to help to determine regional and local course types, with the focus on providing market-led education and training opportunities, while also supporting early school leavers and others who are further away from the labour market. The reform of the further education and training sector envisages a key role for ETBs in the future delivery of further education and training in an integrated manner. Part of this involves the transfer of training centres from SOLAS to ETBs. A total of seven training centres and their staff transferred to ETBs on 1 January 2014, and the remaining 12 training centres transferred to the seven ETBs on 1 July 2014. Each training centre, including the training centre in Dundalk which provides training services within the functional area of Cavan and Monaghan ETB, will come under the ETB in whose functional area the centre is located. A total of five ETBs, including Cavan and Monaghan ETB, will not receive a training centre, as the Senator outlined. There has been, and certainly should have been, extensive discussion on this matter between the ETBs, SOLAS and the Department. I note the Senator's concerns that there was not proper consultation or that this is the prevailing view. I will check into this and ensure this happens.

While recognising that the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 provides for all ETBs to have training functions, the paramount consideration for the Department is the continuity of training services for learners. An agreed position for 2014 is in place, whereby ETBs with training centres retain primary responsibility for training and continue to provide services to areas which do not have training centres. A process is under way to consider the position for 2015 and beyond and a number of options are being examined. As part of this process, the Department received a proposal on 24 June from Cavan and Monaghan ETB regarding the delivery of training in Cavan and Monaghan for 2015 onwards. I note the Senator's concern that there has not been proper consultation, a meeting has not taken place and that a facilitator is being sought, so I am glad to inform the House that as it stands, a meeting between the CEOs of Louth and Meath ETB and Cavan and Monaghan ETB has been agreed with a view to planning for training provision in Cavan and Monaghan from 2015 onwards. This meeting is expected to take place shortly. Both parties and SOLAS have also agreed that a representative from SOLAS will attend the meeting, having regard to the experience and knowledge of SOLAS in this area. We will watch this space and ensure the meeting happens and see how it goes from there.

The Department will await the outcome of this meeting before considering this matter further and will keep in contact with those concerned. I am confident that whatever decision is arrived at, the new ETB service planning process will ensure that Cavan and Monaghan ETB is well served with further education and training options developed on a fully informed basis for 2015 and beyond.