George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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517. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on contracted training within the WWETB; the contracted training that has been reinstated; the proposals he has for contracted training in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23480/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Contracted training plays an important role in the delivery of Further Education and Training (FET) provision across the ETB sector including Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB). It enables WWETB to engage external providers where specialist expertise is required and to respond flexibly to local learner and employer needs across the South-East region. Contracted training is an operational matter for each ETB, and my Department does not have a role in these day-to-day decisions.

However, I assume the Deputy may be referring to recent reports regarding a Request for Tender for contracted training issued by the Education Procurement Services (EPS) in September 2025 on behalf of the ETBs. EPS discontinued the process on 19 February 2026, following legal advice, to ensure fairness and full compliance with procurement rules.

Deputy, there is no requirement to reinstate contracted training, as provision has not ceased. WWETB and other ETBs are maintaining continuity of provision through existing framework contracts and, where needed, local procurement in line with public procurement requirements. ETBI has provided interim guidance to all ETBs to support a consistent approach. Work is now underway between EPS and ETBI to initiate a new national procurement process, with a Prior Information Notice to issue shortly. This will support the continued delivery of high-quality and responsive contracted training across all regions including the South-East region.