Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times the implementation group for the new further education and training authority SOLAS has met since the group was established; when it intends to meet next; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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In July the Government announced the establishment of SOLAS as one of the key elements in the future development of the Further Education and Training sector. The SOLAS Implementation Group has been established to implement the announced changes in the sector. I am chairing the Group and its membership includes the Department of Education and Skills, FÁS and the Irish Vocational Education Association.

The Group is preparing an Action Plan and will report to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs in the Autumn. The Action Plan will be the subject of consultation with stakeholders before finalisation. The group has met twice and progress has been made in discussions on the key elements of the Action Plan including the Organisational Mission, Structure, Staffing, Funding and Legislation for the new authority. The next meeting of the group is scheduled to take place next month.