Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is correct. We do need to have a definitive timeline to eliminate any misunderstanding or misinformation. The SOLAS implementation group has achieved a great deal in the very short time it has been in existence. On a paper basis, we have piloted the amalgamation of FÁS and the VECs in Cork and Dublin which has thrown up some very interesting results, some of them positive. The legislation to bring SOLAS and the educational and training boards into being should pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas in record time by the end of the year. SOLAS should come into existence early next year. I am very confident that when the process is complete, everybody who works in the further education and training sector will be very proud of what will have been achieved.

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