Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
845. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for each year since 1 January 2020, the cost of operation of e-college; the number of Solas staff who work on e-college projects; the process for evaluating value; the completion rate and number of participants in each course; the cost per head of each course per completing student; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15486/25]
View answerMy Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund (NTF) to deliver Further Education and Training programmes and services, including eCollege.
SOLAS delivers eCollege, which is the national online learning service for FET. It provides a range of courses across digital, information and communication technology (ICT) and business domains. eCollege courses are free, online, part-time courses that are available on a continuous basis with no waiting lists and allow flexible times for completion.
SOLAS have a dedicated staff of 3.5 Full-time Equivalents (FTEs) who manage the delivery of eCollege. The provision is procured from learning providers through competitive procurement processes and includes learner support (administrative, technical, pedagogical), design & delivery of courses, and any certification or assessment costs, at no cost to the learner. Public sector procurement policy is followed ensuring value for money.
The cost of providing eCollege for the years 2020 – 2024 is as follows:
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024* |
|
Net Direct Cost |
€2,443,635 |
€3,027,095 |
€2,156,464 |
€2,362,950 |
€3,112,907 |
*2024 costs are preliminary
When determining budget allocation in line with national priorities and objectives of the further education and training strategy, eCollege is evaluated by reviewing outcomes, labour market relevance, accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
Most courses operate on a continuous intake basis and learners may take more than one course at a time. Participation rates for the period 2020 to 2024 are as follows:
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Total New Entrants |
31,568 |
31,355 |
18,670 |
24,995 |
36,717 |
|
Total Beneficiaries |
29,208 |
49,266 |
28,010 |
32,424 |
45,771 |
|
Number of courses |
48 |
39 |
47 |
56 |
93 |
|
Average New Entrants per course |
658 |
804 |
397 |
446 |
395 |
Completion rates for the period 2020 to 2024 are as follows:
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024* |
|
Total New Entrants |
31,568 |
31,355 |
18,670 |
24,995 |
36,717 |
|
Completion Rate |
35% |
37% |
40% |
50% |
30%* |
*2024 figures are preliminary.
Cost per completing student:
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024* |
|
Cost per completer |
€221 |
€260 |
€289 |
€189 |
€282* |
*2024 figures are preliminary.
