Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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955. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide long-term, core funding to independent community education providers, to reduce reliance on short-term and project-based grants. [51133/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that community education is a recognised and valued component in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. Community education is crucial for individual growth, social cohesion, and democratic participation. It provides local, accessible learning opportunities, fosters skills development, and builds confidence, ultimately promoting greater community involvement.

Investment in community education has increased by some 52% from 2018 to 2024, from nearly €11 million in 2018 to nearly €17 million in 2024. In recent years, this investment has been bolstered by the introduction of the Reach Fund in 2020. Earlier this month, Minister Harkin and I were pleased to announce over €4.5 million from the Reach Fund, which will benefit more than 700 community education providers. This funding is crucial in enabling community education providers to support disadvantaged learners.

Turning to the question of long-term, core funding of independent community education providers, under the Further Education and Training Act 2013. I am empowered to advance funding to SOLAS, which in turn allocates funding to Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and other appropriate providers. This structured funding model ensures accountability, transparency, and compliance with public financial procedures, including audit requirements by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

My Department and SOLAS remain committed to supporting community education through the implementation of the Community Education Framework launched in 2024. This Framework requires ETBs to ensure that there is a consistent approach to funding on a yearly basis and that community education providers are given some commitment from the ETB that funding will be consistent. The new FET Funding Model will underpin this approach to consistent funding of community education. Under this model, there is a new simplified five ‘pot’ funding approach, with each pot linked to specific learner outcomes. SOLAS has advised my officials that there will be a dedicated community education budget in the FET pathways funding model pot. It is important to note that the specific allocation for community education will remain subject to broader budgetary considerations each year.

I trust this clarifies the Department’s position and ongoing commitment to supporting community education within the FET system.