Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

349. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his proposals to expand upon and develop education and training and opportunities related to the tourism sector. [15944/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In line with the Programme for Governments commitment with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media to develop long term, sustainable, well paid careers in the tourism industry, officials in my Department have contacted SOLAS who advise that there were 268 Further and Education Courses in the area of tourism and hospitality nationally in 2024. Of these courses, there was a total of 2514 learner enrolments in 2024.

Skillnet Ireland are supporting 9000 learners per annum in a range of programmes from the hospitality and tourism sector. Skillnet funds and facilitates training through over 72 networks of private sector companies. The SME upskilling grant was announced in 2024. Skillnet Ireland will launch several new SME support initiatives in 2025, helping to ensure the sector remains competitive.

SOLAS manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes which enable learners to succeed in the labour market and thrive in society. As independent statutory bodies, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are responsible for planning Further Education and Training (FET) programmes based on local need. I have no function in relation to operational matters such as FET programme planning.