Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2592. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding arrangements for courses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74969/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1994, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), in partnership with a number of Education and Training Boards (ETBs), operated the FAI/ETB Player Development Programme that provided a blend of educational and football development for young footballers. My officials contacted a number of ETBs in response to this PQ, and Louth and Meath ETB advised that the FAI informed them last year of its Board's national strategic decision to end all of its Local Training Initiative (LTI) programmes in 2026. This development was not initiated by SOLAS or the ETBs. In some instances, the FAI are looking to source a suitable secondary provider where appropriate.
LTIs are tailored community-based training programmes funded by ETBs and delivered by third party providers such as the FAI, who help develop the programme once a need is established. LTIs are grant funded by ETBs in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Circular 13/2014 - Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds. Each ETB is responsible for planning and delivering its services and training programmes in line with its allocated budget and the needs of its local community, as set out under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. As Minister, I have no role in these operational matters.
