Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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3384. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware that an education and training board has capped the number of places available for specialist training (details supplied) resulting in vulnerable students, many of whom have a disability or require additional supports being denied a further education place this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42666/25]

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 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 on alternative options.

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.

Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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3385. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the progress that has been achieved to date on the development of College of the Future for Cavan Institute. [42802/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Cavan and Monaghan ETB's (CMETB) proposal for a new FET College in Cavan has been successful in moving forward to the next stage of development - the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage.

CMETB’s proposal is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future in Cavan Town. The proposed facility would address critical needs, including providing a state-of-the-art education and training facility.

The project aims to consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services at one location.

SOLAS continues to engage with CMETB around it's project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Initial work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.