Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There were a couple of questions from the Deputy. He can speak about what the document is not referencing but I want to state in this House that it should not be taken in any way, shape or form as my view, the Department's view or the Government's view on the importance of the LTI programmes across the country and the role they have to play. I suggest to the Deputy that the most appropriate avenue to embed that importance will be in the individual strategic agreements being reached between SOLAS and each of the ETBs individually. Ensuring the LTIs are embedded in that strategic agreement with ETBs will be an important element and something I will follow up on as a result of the exchange we have had here in the Dáil this evening.

I know the 2021 funding allocation for LTIs is €18,963,596. The funding allocation and planned provision for this year is due to go to the SOLAS board in April. The actual spend will be available when ETBs finalise their accounts in April. The Deputy also makes an important point about training and continuous development of staff. It is something I will reflect on and engage with SOLAS on. I am happy to meet some staff members with the Deputy because I know he has a familiar interest in this.

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