Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I fully recognise the value of these courses. To be clear, what Tipperary ETB informed my Department is that no current learners are impacted as they have completed their programmes. However, Deputy Mattie McGrath was right to say that the impact is on the availability of places for new learners for the remainder of 2025. The Deputy was quite right to say that.

My Department is committed to supporting a FET system that helps individuals succeed, boosts economic growth and prepares our workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead. This commitment is underpinned by a significant investment of over €1 billion in 2025. While the FET system is demand-driven, ETBs must operate within their allocated budgets.

As I outlined in my opening remarks, planning and delivery of services by ETBs is rightly a matter for each individual board, taking into account its allocated budgets and the specific needs of its local community. The Deputies would agree that it would be neither practical nor appropriate for a Minister of State to become involved in the day-to-day operational decisions of these autonomous bodies. However, I recognise what the Deputies are saying. As I said, I had a great meeting yesterday with representatives of Tipperary ETB. I see the valuable and important work they are doing. However, the ETB has made the decision at this point within the resources that have been allocated to it. That is its responsibility. However, I hear what the Deputies are saying. I thank them for their intervention and for highlighting these important courses and their value and impact on people's lives.

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