Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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589. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the review of specialist training programmes which has been ongoing since 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40464/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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By way of background for the Deputy, through Specialist Training Provision (STP), Education and Training Boards (ETBs) contract providers to offer training to learners who require more intensive support than is available in mainstream FET settings. In 2024, circa €41 million was allocated to support 2,763 learners. Of this, €17 million provided training allowances to learners.

Independent consultants were contracted by SOLAS to carry out the review of STP for people with disabilities, to review how the programme operates and the outcomes for the learners. This review has recently been completed. It involved significant consultation and analysis, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups with practitioners, ETBs, STP providers and learners. It also involved desk-based research, including on the policy context and international models of provision.

SOLAS, in collaboration with officials in my Department, is currently considering its findings and planning follow up work in response. Key stakeholders will be engaged as part of this.