Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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3314. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills , further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 1 July, to provide an update on his engagements with the City of Dublin ETB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40737/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is committed to supporting a Further Education and Training (FET) system that helps individuals succeed, boosts economic growth, and prepares our workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead, while fostering stronger communities. This commitment is underpinned by a significant investment of over €1 billion in 2025. This funding allocation agreed by Government at the Budget and set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services is clear and unambiguous. It is the responsibility of SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to operate strictly within this allocation.

There are several specialist programmes within FET for learners with disabilities. Through Specialist Training Provision (STP), ETBs contract providers, including the National Learning Networks (NLN), to offer training to learners who require more intensive support than is available in mainstream FET settings. In 2024, SOLAS allocated circa €41 million to STP which supported approximately 2,800 learners. Approximately €17 million of this allocation included training allowances to learners.

City of Dublin ETB is reviewing its FET provision to ensure that it remains within its budget allocation. As part of this process, City of Dublin advised my officials that it has reduced the number of allocated places to the NLN in Ballyfermot from 268 to 252 in 2025. It has confirmed to my Department that any prospective learners affected can reach out directly to its Adult Education Guidance Service for advice.

In line with its functions set out in the Education and Training Board Act of 2013, it is the responsibility of each Board to plan and deliver services throughout the year, taking into account their allocated budgets and the specific needs of their local communities. I believe the Deputy will agree that it would neither be practical nor appropriate for a Minister to become involved in the day-to-day operational decisions of these autonomous bodies.