Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

445. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her Department's policy on second-chance education; the budget allocated for same; her plans to develop this policy in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17210/15]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The policy on second chance education is set out in the Further Education and Training Strategy published by SOLAS last year. The Strategy sets out the direction of Further Education and Training (FET) over the next five years on both a national and regional basis. This will lead to major changes to provision in the FET sector with improved quality, a focus on employment focused programmes and basic skills. There will also be greater emphasis on employer engagement, planning and the promotion of the standing of FET. The strategy also aims to improve access and to support learners of all abilities across FET programmes.

In 2015, SOLAS will provide funding of €574 million on delivering a range of programmes to nearly 370,000 learners. My Department will provide additional funding in the region of €150 million for the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme.

My Department will work closely with SOLAS on the implementation of the strategy and monitor progress on the detailed FET Implementation Plan they have produced.