Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

47. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the FET strategy for 2025-2029 will be published and implemented. [56016/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Further Education and Training system is central to the delivery of skills across the country, contributing significantly to national competitiveness and supporting inclusion.

The Further Education and Training Act 2013 requires SOLAS to prepare a strategy in relation to the provision of further education and training and to submit it to my Department for my consideration and approval.

SOLAS has been working in partnership with my Department to develop and refine the next Strategy under these provisions, ensuring that it fully aligns with departmental and Government priorities.

This Strategy will seek to build an ambitious roadmap for further education and training, ensuring that it can play a critical role in meeting Ireland’s future workforce and skills needs, widen participation in learning amongst adults of all ages, provide a consistent learner experience, and continue to drive reform across the sector.

It is expected that the Strategy will be submitted to the Department in Q4 of 2025. Once agreed, the Strategy will be launched, subject to my approval, and in line with the legislation. A corresponding implementation plan will outline how the Strategy will deliver on agreed objectives over its lifetime.