Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Lawless, who sends his apologies.In 2011, Na Píobairí Uileann established PipeCraft, a dedicated training facility for musical instrument making. In 2017 they developed a partnership with Ballyfermot College of Further Education for a new programme called Irish traditional music performance and traineeship in instrument making, repair and maintenance. This programme is managed and funded through the City of Dublin ETB. The two-year programme is targeted at traditional musicians and singers who wish to develop their practical skills and musicianship. Learners can obtain a BTEC higher national certificate in music general award after year one, which is comparable to the NFQ level 5 certificate. In year two, learners can obtain a BET higher national diploma in music artist development, comparable to the higher certificate NFQ level 6. Some 139 learners have participated in this course since 2017 and to date 102 learners have achieved a higher national diploma level 6, while 20 have achieved a higher national certificate level 5. It is understood that practitioners and musicians value this programme due to its cultural significance, as the Senator has rightly articulated, as well as specialist skills development and contribution to Ireland's living heritage and culture.

The City of Dublin ETB has advised the Department officials that due to the exceptionality in terms of the high costs associated with delivering this programme, it has taken a decision to move the programme to a two-year cycle. The cost of this traineeship significantly exceeds any other traineeship they provide. The City of Dublin ETB engaged with Na Píobairí Uileann in June 2024 while planning for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. It advised Na Píobairí Uileann that any further spending would depend on available budgets. It is confirmed that the programme is not being discontinued, but it will run a new intake every second year rather than every year. Learners who have just completed their first year last year and this academic year will continue into the second year of the 2025-26 academic year. The new intake for the first year learners will be in the 2026-27 academic year when the current cohort is complete. The City of Dublin ETB has advised that this approach will allow it to continue to support the programme in a sustainable way.

It is appreciated that this may come as a disappointment, particularly for those hoping to see an annual intake of new learners. I have heard the Senator's concerns this morning. I hope the Senator will appreciate that the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has no role in the day-to-day operational management of education and training boards, which are independent statutory bodies. In line with its functions set out in the Education and Training Boards Act 2013, it is the responsibility of each board to plan and deliver services throughout the year, subject to their available budget and local needs.

SOLAS has increased the funding allocation to the City of Dublin ETB from approximately €140 million in 2024 to nearly €152 million in 2025, an increase of nearly 9%. This investment supports approximately 60,000 unique learners across a range of programmes. Since 2020, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has significantly increased investment in the FET sector by 33%. I thank the Senator again for raising the matter this morning.