Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I stand over all the points I made yesterday. If the new structures for the delivery of further education and training are to work effectively, they must reflect the needs of learners within a particular region as well as the needs of industry and enterprise within that region. That is why we have given significant autonomy to each ETB to determine the type of training and further education to be delivered within its area. The paramount consideration for my Department in this and all matters relating to further education and training is to ensure the best and most meaningful intervention and support for each individual seeking that support.

I take on board what the Deputy and his Oireachtas colleagues in Cavan-Monaghan are saying on this issue. I agree it is desirable that certainty be brought to the position for 2015 and beyond well in advance of the end of this year. I assure the Deputy once again that the proposal put forward by Cavan and Monaghan ETB is receiving active consideration within my Department.

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