Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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962. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for significantly reduced numbers allocated to the vocational training opportunities scheme programme for 2025/2026, when there is huge numbers of applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51378/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you, Deputy for raising this issue.

By way of background, the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is designed to support long term unemployed adults in gaining the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to re-enter the workforce or progress to further education. To be eligible for the scheme, a learner must be over 21 years of age, unemployed for at least six months and in receipt of specific social welfare payments. VTOS is administered by local Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and supported by SOLAS.

My officials contacted Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) regarding your question. CETB have advised that a dispersed model for VTOS has been in operation for the past number of years due to a decline in enrolments into courses provided in stand-alone VTOS centres. CETB have advised that there are a variety of reasons for this decline, for example, because the target cohort were unable to engage in full-time further education and training, a requirement of the VTOS scheme, and required more flexible options. The dispersed model of VTOS provides learners on level 5 and 6 full-time Post-Leaving Certificate courses with the opportunity to avail of VTOS supports.

CETB has also informed my officials that, to remain within their annual allocation from SOLAS for Further Education and Training, it has capped the number of VTOS places available at Level 5 and 6 campuses for full-time courses in the 2025–2026 academic year.

The funding allocated by SOLAS to CETB for FET provision has increased by €25.7 million, or 36%, from €71.3 million in 2020 to over €97 million in 2025.

Each Education and Training Board is responsible for planning and delivering its services throughout the year, considering its allocated budget and the specific needs of its local community, in accordance with its statutory functions under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. As Minister, I have no role in the day-to-day operational management of ETBs, which are independent statutory bodies.