Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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618. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9932/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Further Education and Training Act (2013), SOLAS has statutory responsibility for planning, funding, and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.

While The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 -2025 plan sets out actions to provide for craft apprentices to express preferences on the location of their off-the-job training. The offer of an off-the-job training place will be dependent on a number of factors such as demand for a specific location and available spaces.

SOLAS has taken a number of practical steps to enhance communications with apprentices during 2020 and 2021. A clear and coherent apprentice communications strategy will be developed by SOLAS to ensure that apprentices are aware of the route through which communication will take place, including the availability of both on-the-job and off-the-job supports available to address any issues arising during the period of apprenticeship.

Craft apprentices’ ownership of their education and training journey will be enhanced through supporting choice in the location and timing of off-the-job training for craft apprentices.

Regarding the persons whose details were supplied, my Departments officials have engaged with SOLAS on behalf of Deputy Michael Healy-Rae and have requested SOLAS to engage directly with the individual concerned.