Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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576. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills ask the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of expanding FET by 10,000 places, 15,000 places and 20,000 places. [38901/24]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Further Education and Training (FET) encompasses a wide range of courses and programmes, ranging from Level 1 to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, i.e., from basic literacy programmes to apprenticeships. Different levels of engagement are required for the learner depending on their needs and the course requirements, e.g., full-time, part-time, short-term courses etc.

Consequently, it is not possible to give an accurate annual cost of expanding FET by a specific number of places.

However, as a high-level exercise and for illustrative purposes only, SOLAS have provided an average course cost of €7,900 per learner. The Deputy should note that the actual cost will depend on the specific course being undertaken and the duration of the course.