103. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm that SOLAS is in receipt of sufficient funding from the State to ensure that it can deliver on its annual service plan and operate accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36974/25]

Sentiment score: 0.22

I thank the Minister for being straight and upfront on the issue. I am glad that he has acknowledged that there is a dynamic between SOLAS and the ETBs and that this is probably an annual thing but there are still issues. If I went on the Internet tonight, I would see that there is allegedly an issue in Donegal. It is reported that there is a shortfall of €2.1 million. In Louth and Meath ETB, with which the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach is involved, a shortfall of up to €12 million has been identified. That is quite significant. The Minister has said this is a funding pressure that was brought to him and that he is doing his best to work through it. When did it first come to his attention? If there is funding pressure as a result of people moving forward from stages 4 and 6 of their apprenticeships, I assume that will have to be addressed in the forthcoming budget. Will the Minister identify how he hopes to do that?

Sentiment score: 0.18

If I understand the Minister, some ETBs are deferring. The issue still needs to be dealt with. Are we just kicking the can down the road and, in essence, just leaving the issue for the Minister to solve in the next budgetary cycle? He has said he became aware of this a month ago. Given the numbers of apprentices at the various stages, this should have been identified an awful lot sooner. If the Minister was only made aware of this a month ago, I would ask how whoever was responsible, whether inside the Department or elsewhere, missed this? It is quite significant. In essence, the Minister has said that we are facing the distinct possibility of many courses being deferred. As far as I am concerned, that is just kicking the can down the road. Ultimately, the only solution to this is additional funding in the budget. Will the Minister comment on my concern that we are kicking this further down the road?

Sentiment score: 0.02