Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
64. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the new strategy for the further education and training sector includes a review of infrastructure capacity so as to cater for the continued growth in demand for further education and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/25]
View answerSOLAS, in collaboration with my Department, is currently developing the new FET Strategy for 2025-2029, which will build on the growth of the sector to date, further empowering individuals, communities and businesses to achieve their full potential.
Since its establishment, my Department has taken steps to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the sector’s development.
The FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund was launched in February 2022 to address existing deficits in FET infrastructure, to support projects that drive reform of the FET sector and to facilitate consolidation and integration of FET. It is the first ever significant major capital programme call for the sector and 12 ETBs throughout the Country are progressing significant capital infrastructure projects under this fund.
In January, my Department, along with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced €60m in co-funding to drive energy efficiency and decarbonisation in FET buildings. This will directly contribute to the implementation of energy retrofit works and decarbonisation measures.
Additionally, as part of Budget 2025, my Department secured €150m investment from the six year NTF surplus package to fund innovative equipment for the FET sector. This funding will position FET as a driver of workforce transformation. My officials are working with SOLAS to progress this significant investment.
