Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1153. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the expert panel currently reviewing the further education and training funding model; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63578/21]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The terms of reference of the expert panel, commissioned by SOLAS, are to:

- Review the existing approach to funding ETBs to deliver FET by SOLAS in terms of its effectiveness in delivering on national objectives, facilitating ETB flexibility and autonomy in responding to regional needs, ensuring sustainability and quality, and driving performance.

- Identify and consider options regarding how that approach is developed in order to reflect the core principles that must underpin future funding of FET.

- Make recommendations on an appropriate future approach to funding the sector, and on an implementation timeframe with moderating mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition to this approach, one that avoids any sudden or significant changes to current funding levels.

The members of the panel are:

- Fiona Hartley O’Connor, former Executive Director, Strategy and Knowledge in SOLAS;

- Ted Owens, former Chief Executive of Cork Education and Training Board; and

- Ken Rutherford, former Assistant Director at Scottish Funding Council.

The panel have undertaken extensive research, consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, and tested funding ideas and approaches via a series of workshops with ETBs. Although the process has been delayed by COVID restrictions, a draft report is expected to be submitted to SOLAS early this year.  Following the finalisation of the draft report, SOLAS will publish the review report.

This review is an important enabler for the FET Strategy and I look forward to receiving the report and considering its findings and recommendations.