Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
905. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1654 of 10 June 2025, when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37081/25]
View answerPlease accept my apologies for the delayed response to your recent question. My officials were liaising with SOLAS and Louth and Meath ETB in respect of your question.
There has been no cut to the FET budget for Louth and Meath ETB in 2025.
The annual service plan referenced in your question is a requirement set out in the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 and it is submitted to the Minister for Education and Youth. It is not submitted to SOLAS for review and approval. Whilst Louth and Meath ETB set out an ambitious programme for FET provision in its annual service plan with an anticipated budget of €87 million, SOLAS had advised Louth and Meath ETB that its allocation for 2025 would be broadly in line with its 2024 allocation. Its funding allocation for 2025 is €73.759 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5% on the 2024 allocation of €70.246 million. In comparison, Louth and Meath ETB’s projected allocation of €87 million would have required an uplift of some 24%.
Whilst SOLAS requests a certain level of funding as part of the Estimates process, all Estimates requests notwithstanding the potential benefit, value and impact, are subject to the constraints imposed by budgetary policy and expenditure priorities set by Government. It is the responsibility of SOLAS and the ETBs to plan their provision within the allocation agreed by Government.
My Department is committed to supporting a FET system that helps individuals succeed, boosts economic growth, and prepares our workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead, while fostering stronger communities. This commitment is underpinned by a significant investment of over €1 billion in 2025, representing a 36% increase since 2020.
