Mike Kennelly
Labour Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I express my deep concern at the devastating wildfire that affected Killarney National Park yesterday evening. It is one of the most treasured national landscapes in the country.”
“However, as that excitement builds ahead of the biggest day in the GAA's calendar, there is again a growing concern among Kerry and Mayo supporters and others about how they will get to Croke Park.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. My ask is for the Minister for Transport to liaise with Irish Rail and Bus Éireann to ensure that adequate transport is provided for all football supporters from Kerry and Mayo for the upcoming All-Ireland final. I congratulate Kerry and Mayo on reaching this year's All-Ireland football final.”
“This is not just a Kerry issue or a Mayo issue; it is a national issue. We heard yesterday on the Order of Business that even Louth and Wicklow supporters had difficulties getting to Croke Park last Saturday. The All-Ireland final is one of the largest sporting events in the country, bringing tens of thousands of supporters together.”
“The use of barbecues, open flames or any activity that creates a fire risk in such conditions is simply unacceptable. What may seem like a harmless act can, in a matter of minutes, destroy habitats that have taken generations to develop and places lives in danger.”
“Yesterday was just a reminder of the of the serious consequences that can arise when risks are taken with fire. The land and trees are so dry at the moment that a spark could destroy every amenity we have.”
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“Let us back Local Link, support communities like Abbeydorney, expand demand-responsive transport and ensure that no one is left behind simply because of where they live.”
“Rural isolation is a persistent challenge. I know that. I live in rural Ireland. Improved transport is one of the most effective tools we have to address it. Investment in Local Link and in demand-responsive transport is investment in our people. It cuts isolation, reduces emissions and gives rural communities the same opportunities as our towns and cities. I see the Luas green line is suspended this morning. Imagine if the Local Link was suspended; would it get the same furore in my part of the country? I am calling for increased core funding, expanded routes and frequency, a modernised booking system and stronger integration of the Local Link with the wider public transport network. Every €1 spent on rural transport delivers multiple returns in equality, climate action and community well-being.”
“The intention is simple - to provide older residents with a weekly commute to their active retirement group at the community centre in Abbeydorney. At present, Local Link offers a run every second week. That is twice a month that some people in rural north Kerry can meet in their active retirement group in Abbeydorney. It is just twice a month. That is not fair to these people. While appreciated, it is not enough. These residents deserve the chance to meet weekly to socialise, participate and stay active in their community. Social connection is not a luxury; it is a necessity for well-being, dignity and independence. Abbeydorney is far from alone. Across Kerry and throughout rural Ireland, there are communities that need expanded routes, greater frequency and more robust demand-responsive transport options.”
“The dedication of Local Link drivers, their co-ordinators and community partners is extraordinary and has to be acknowledged. Their work deserves recognition and expanded investment. However, the reality in too many areas is that there still is not enough coverage. Some communities see one bus a day. Some see none at all. Families are forced to run a second car, not out of choice but necessity. That is not fair or sustainable for a lot of families. I want to highlight one example in the village of Abbeydorney in north Kerry. It is a remote village north of Listowel and south of Tralee. Abbeydorney previously applied for a demand-responsive transport service and was refused funding. They are now applying again. This time, their needs must be heard.”
“I thank the Minister of State for attending the Seanad this morning. Today I am calling for greater investment in rural transport, in particular our Local Link and demand-responsive transport services. These services are a lifeline for people across rural Ireland - for the older person needing to reach their GP visits, the student getting to college and the worker who depends on a reliable bus to get to their job. They connect people to opportunity, community and essential services. Local Link is one of the greatest success stories of rural Ireland. It is a service built around local needs, communities' priorities and real-world challenges. Time and again, Local Link has shown that with the right support, rural transport can be flexible, responsive, reliable and transformative.”
“I ask everyone to send the message out to their own communities to get involved to make people safe and confident in their own homes.”
“While he was attending mass on Saturday, the window of his vehicle was smashed and broken into and his money was stolen. Everyone has communities, and everyone knows everyone when they live where they are living in rural Ireland. I am calling today for everybody to get involved to make our communities safe. If they see anything, there is a See Something, Say Something text alert system in Kerry. I do not know if it has been rolled out across the rest of the country. We have volumes of people living on their own coming up to the Christmas period again this year. I want them to be assured that people like their neighbours, friends and communities are looking out for them and that, if they see something, they report these guys to the Garda which will, it is hoped, catch the culprits.”
“I welcome the nitrates derogation extension to our farmers and farming community. I sincerely thank the Minister, Deputy Heydon, for the work he has done to deliver this for the farming community. As Senator Daly and the previous speaker just said, we do need to call the Minister in to debate the future votes for this. Three years' time is not enough to start to accept this derogation. Really, as the only country in the EU to have this, we should be honoured. I commend the work that has been done. On a separate personal note as we lead up to the festive Christmas season, I wish to convey a sad story. An elderly person living on his own went to mass in Listowel last Saturday evening. He had picked up his two pensions on the Thursday afternoon. Obviously, he was being targeted.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I must get a copy of that answer from him, as I do not have it, but I welcome his verbal response. He mentioned positive feedback from the steering group. Obviously, not everyone will be happy with regulations that have to be put in place over the next three years. The cost side of things is still a real worry. For small, home-based providers, what seem like small expenses can add up quickly. The Minister of State mentioned that the Minister hoped to go back to the steering groups and childminding associations to engage with them again, as there is a bit of time left, so that everybody can be happy when these regulations are implemented and put into place. I mentioned Tusla but that is for another day's work. I have my arguments with it.”
“I ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to engage with their concerns to ensure that regulations strengthen rather than undermine home-based childcare and to protect the vital services childminders provide to thousands of families in Ireland.”
“They need clearer and more accessible pathways for Garda vetting for all relevant adults, stronger financial supports to meet compliance costs and reassurances around privacy, particularly concerning the publication of their home addresses. The three-year transition period is welcomed but it must be backed by a robust and genuine mid-transition review. This review needs to be transparent, responsive and a real opportunity to fix what is not working instead of tick-box exercise. Many childminders are feeling a bit unsure about what exactly they need to do over the next three years. Many of them tell me they are confused about the steps, the paperwork and what an inspection will actually look like in the context of a family home.”
“They fear that the administrative burden, inspection regimes and associated costs could drive many experienced childminders out of the sector. If even a fraction of these providers step away, the impact on parents, particularly in rural areas, will be very significant. Families rely on the flexibility, continuity of care and, more importantly, affordability that home-based childcare providers provide. Losing those options at this stage would place real strain on households. Childminders are asking for proportionate childminding-specific regulations that recognise the unique nature of care in their home.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad. He is no stranger to it. I think he said he served two terms in this House. I congratulate him on his recent elevation to Minister of State and wish him all the best in his new portfolio. I look forward to working with him in the next couple of months and, hopefully, years. Home-based childcare providers across the country are deeply concerned about the new childminding regulations. Many have contacted me in recent months expressing real anxiety about the future of their work, which is essential to families and communities nationwide and rurally. That is a big issue for us. Childminders are not opposed to regulation. They support safeguarding, high standards and accountability but they feel that what is being introduced resembles a centre-based childcare model imposed on a family home.”
“It calls for investment and modernisation in safety measures for our fleet and for targeted supports to small-scale and inshore fishers who are the custodians of traditional fishing practices and the heart of our coastal identity. This is about more than quotas and negotiations. It is about protecting the dignity of the work and sustaining our beautiful communities where every catch supports a family and ensuring that Ireland's fishing villages from Donegal to Kerry remain vibrant for generations to come.”
“We cannot ignore the irresponsible behaviour of third countries like Norway, which has been mentioned, that refuse to set total allowable catches in line with the ICES scientific advice nor can we accept the arrangement that grants disproportionate access to Irish waters while disregarding sustainability. This undermines not only our fishermen but the very principle of fair partnership within the EU. That is why this motion calls on the Government to invoke the Hague preferences at the appropriate time to oppose further concessions and to safeguard shore-based services, processing, storage and transport that will keep jobs and economic activity alive in our villages.”
“In Kerry's beautiful coastal fishing villages and towns, from Dingle to Castlegregory, over to Portmagee, Cahersiveen, Valentia Island, Cromane and Fenit, fishing is more than a job. It keeps our local economies alive, carries on traditions and holds our communities together, but our fishing families are under real pressure. Quota cuts, higher fuels and running costs and tough international rules are making it harder than ever for them to survive. Government investment in our ports under the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme, from which I welcome the contribution of €470,000 for the Dingle pier, is welcome but vigilance is still required.”
“I speak in strong support of this motion. My fellow Fine Gael Senators Boyle and O'Donovan have been at the forefront since becoming Senators in protecting the livelihoods of fishing communities in counties Donegal and Cork. That has to be respected. This motion speaks directly to the livelihoods of all our coastal communities and the fishing villages that have sustained Ireland for generations. I acknowledge the appointment of Deputy Dooley as Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and the marine. As stated already, this is a solid move. His recent announcements of funding for harbour developments and the FLAG coastal community schemes are welcome. These must be matched with stronger protections for our fishermen and fisherwomen who face urgent and complex challenges.”
“Families in these areas are forced to run a second car, not out of choice but out of necessity. Effectively, they are punished for living in a rural area. This is not fair or sustainable. I will mention one area in north Kerry. Abbeydorney has an active retirement group, which meets every week. Unfortunately, the Local Link service cannot run the service every week; it runs it twice per month. That is letting down a community that would attend this hub every week but the funding seems not to be there. I call on the Minister to come to the Seanad and debate this and to secure funding that ensures everyone in rural Ireland can get on this transport system.”
“This was debated last week and Senator Andrews still comes in this afternoon and hurls a lot of stuff at the greyhound industry. I want that to be put to bed. Today we are on about rural activity and I wish to speak about investment in rural transport, in particular Local Link and demand-responsive transport services in Kerry. These services are lifelines for people across rural Ireland, including rural Kerry, where I come from, including the older person needing to reach his or her GP, the student getting to college and the worker who depends on a reliable bus to get to his or her job. They connect people to opportunity, community and essential services but in too many cases there simply is not enough coverage. Some communities see one bus per day; others see none at all.”
“First, I object to Senator Andrews's statement on dog welfare, insulting dog breeders and the people involved in the greyhound industry in this country. It is the most regulated industry in Ireland. The greyhound owners and everyone involved in the industry love their pets more than anything else.”
“The surge in international protection applications from just over 7,000 in 2021 to nearly 33,000 today has placed immense pressures on our accommodation system. The arson attack in Drogheda was a shameful act that must be condemned unequivocally. However, it reminds us of the need for transparency, engagement and support for local communities. A fair and firm migration system is not a contradiction. It is a matter of balance. It protects the vulnerable while safeguarding our borders. It welcomes those who contribute while ensuring that our laws are respected. It reflects the best of who we are as a nation shaped by migration, committed to justice and confident in our future.”
“We must ensure our migration system is both fair and firm: fair to those who genuinely seek protection, who contribute to our economy and wish to integrate into our communities, and firm to those who abuse the system, who arrive without documentation from safe countries or who pose a threat to public safety. The Government's commitment to a new international protection Act is a step in the right direction to faster processing, stronger border security and efficient returns, which are essential to maintaining public confidence. Equally important is our investment in integration, language classes, community-led initiatives and access to education and healthcare. These are not luxuries; they are necessities for building cohesive communities. We must also be honest about the challenges we face.”
“To quote Senator Nicole Ryan, the real fear these people have is that the knock on the door will come to them as well, because there are still undocumented Irish people in New York. Ireland has become a destination for those seeking a better life. That is a testament to our prosperity, openness and values. Over 90,000 people have come here to work in the past three years and 40,000 students have chosen Ireland as their place of study. These individuals are not just numbers, as everyone has said here. They are nurses, engineers, carers and entrepreneurs. They are part of the fabric of our society now. However, with opportunity comes responsibility.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. I speak in support of this motion which rightly acknowledges both the historical and contemporary realities of migration in Ireland. Migration is not a new phenomenon for us. For generations, Irish men and women have left these shores in search of opportunity, safety and dignity. They helped to build cities form Birmingham to New York to Brisbane and beyond and their legacy and culture lives on in the communities they shaped. It is this very history that must guide us on our approach to migration today, with empathy, pragmatism and resolve. Destinations like Ellis Island in New York, which operated between 1892 and 1954, recorded over 3 million Irish people who emigrated.”
“I call on the Minister to come to the House to debate the new regulations, strengthen rather than undermine home-based childcare and protect the vital services childminders provide to thousands of families.”
“Flexibility, continuity of care and affordable home-based options could be reduced at a time when families can least afford it. Childminders are calling for proportionate childminding-specific regulations that reflect the unique nature of care in the home. They seek clearer pathways for Garda vetting for all necessary adults, stronger financial support to help with compliance costs and the protection of their privacy, in particular around the publication of home addresses. The three-year transition period is welcome, but it must be accompanied by a robust mid-transition review. That review must be genuine, transparent and responsive. It should be an opportunity to correct what is not working rather than a formality.”
“I rise today to address the growing concerns of home-based childcare providers, in light of new childminding regulations. Over recent months, many childminders have contacted me to express anxiety about the future of their work, work that is essential to families across the country. Let us be clear. Childminders are not opposed to regulations. They support safeguarding standards and accountability, but they are worried that the new system feels too close to a centre-based childcare model being applied to a family home. They fear that the administrative demands, inspections and costs could drive many experienced childminders out of the sector. If even a fraction of these providers leave, the impact on parents, in particular in rural areas such as the one I represent, will be significant.”
“He has overseen some of the most challenging budgets in our history, always with a steady hand and clear eye on the future. His departure is a loss, not just to Fine Gael, but to the entire Oireachtas and the people of Ireland. Sinn Féin had a cheap shot today at him, mentioning the last budget was not a great day for Paschal, but he has seen us out of dark days and led us to where we are with an economic boost to this country. I wish Paschal all the best in his new role in the future.”
“I offer my congratulations to the players, coaching staff and all those behind the scenes who made this moment possible. This victory is more than just a result on the scoreboard; it is a moment of unity and shared pride that resonated across every town and village over the weekend, from the youngest kids kicking a ball in the school yard to the oldest citizens who followed our boys in green through the decades of highs and lows. I was at the Armenian game where I met Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner and John O'Shea. There are now new heroes to look up to. It is with a sense of deep respect and admiration that I acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of my colleague and fellow Fine Gael man, the Minister, Paschal Donohoe, who has announced his resignation from the Cabinet and the Dáil to take up a senior role at the World Bank.”
“In the past few days, people in this country have had highs and lows. I speak with a heavy heart of the tragic loss in Dundalk, where five young lives were taken in a single, devastating incident. The families, friends and communities of Chloe, Alan, Dylan, Shay and Chloe are overwhelmed with grief and we mourn with them. These were young people full of promise and full of dreams. Their absence is deeply felt by every person in this country. I call on the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien, and the Road Safety Authority to launch a nationwide review and debate, with a strong emphasis on serious enforcement and safety on our roads. I extend my sympathies to all the families. It was with immense pride and joy that we celebrated the outstanding performance of our national football team over the weekend in its win over Hungary.”
“I note that the Minister of State has said that approval to proceed with works in a river is needed from Inland Fisheries Ireland and not from the Department of Transport. With the Minister of State's guidance, I ask that we draw down the design funding model, first of all. If there is a liability on whatever body it comes under, whether it is the OPW, the Department of Transport, or whoever it is, they should come to the table and we come to a very fast solution on this. I thank the Minister of State for his comments.”
“I thank the Minister of State. While I acknowledge the Department's past engagement and the emergency funding that facilitated temporary repairs in 2024, I must reiterate that we are now beyond that point of patchwork solutions. As I said, the people of the Duagh and north Kerry deserve more than reactive measures. The bridge's repeated closures are not just an inconvenience, as I stated. They are a threat to the social and economic fabric of the region. Every time this route is severed, it isolates families, disrupts livelihoods and undermines confidence in our infrastructure planning. Therefore I am calling on the Minister to directly engage, which the Minster of State has promised, to ensure the current application is given the highest level of consideration under the 2026 climate adaptation and resilience works programme.”
“Today I am asking the Minister to ensure that Foildarrig Bridge is treated with the urgency it deserves, that funding streams are fully utilised and that this vital piece of infrastructure is finally secured for the long-term future of the community I proudly represent.”
“The first is immediate funding for design work to identify and scope the long-term engineering solutions that will finally stabilise the bridge and protect it against future weather-related events. The second is a guarantee that once design work is complete, the Department will support the drawdown of the specific capital funding required to carry out these emergency essential works. Without this, we will continue to live in a cycle of closures which is unfair to everyone in my area. Emergency assessments and temporary fixes are not acceptable for the people of Duagh and, indeed, the whole of north Kerry and the surrounding communities, or for the businesses and families who rely on this route every day. The severity of this situation cannot be overstated. It has to be made a priority.”
“Kerry County Council is applying again and I am imploring the Minister today to ensure that the future of this road and this bridge is prioritised for immediate support. The people I represent cannot continue to endure recurring closures. When this bridge shuts, it tears through the daily life of this community, cutting off access to businesses, schools, shops, farms, all services, the GAA pitch and the community centre in Duagh. Indeed, our long-awaited greenway has an entrance point on this road which will be denied during closures. It adds miles to every journey. It drains time, resources and economic activity from an area that simply cannot absorb repeated disruptions of this scale. We urgently need a two-stage commitment.”
“In spring 2024, remedial works were carried out on Foildarrig Bridge in an effort to stabilise the structure and address ongoing erosion. While those works were welcome, they were clearly not the long-term solution the bridge needed. Last December, Kerry County Council management confirmed that an application had been made to the Department of Transport under the climate change adaptation and resilience works programme to finally address the erosion issue in a permanent and durable way. Unfortunately, that application was not successful. Now we are facing an even more urgent deadline. The funding mechanism for the next round, for 2026 funding, is closing on Friday, 20 November.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach. Indeed, I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad this afternoon. Today I am speaking, once again, to highlight the urgent and worsening situation at Foildarrig Bridge in Duagh, which is situated in north Kerry. It is a critical piece of infrastructure that has been forced to close again this week following heavy rainfalls which caused movement in the remedial works that were granted by the Department of Transport, thankfully, over a year and a half ago. The engineers have assessed the structure and deemed it unsafe again, leaving the community facing yet another period of disruption mere months after the 16-week closure last year. This is not a new problem. It is a chronic issue that has now reached breaking point.”
“Only the SNAs who deal with these children every day of the week can have this brought to their attention. I would really like to have them on that list.”
“I thank the Minister of State and welcome the statement in response from the Minister that he read out. He said the protection of our children is ultimately the priority for everyone in the school network. We are not giving the authority to the SNAs. There is a process in the child protection procedures for schools. People go to the DLPs, the teachers and the SNAs, but it is a matter of responsibility that when the SNAs report issues like this they are recognised as mandated persons. They are not yet at this stage. I ask the Minister of State to go back and look at this again because, as I said, they are our front-line people for these children who attend school. They may not get the same attention at home and there could be something that cannot be seen or heard by teachers or other people.”
“They already protect children, they already raise concerns and they already carry that responsibility. What they need, though, and what our children deserve is the clarity, authority and respect that comes from being fully recognised within our child protection framework. Today, I am calling on the Minister to bring forward legislation and to update the relevant Schedules of the Children First Act to ensure that special needs assistants are formally recognised as mandated persons. By doing so, we will strengthen child protection, close an unacceptable gap in our system and show SNAs in this country that the State values the vital role they play in keeping our children safe, supported, seen and heard.”
“We rightly expect our schools to be places of safety and vigilance, but we cannot achieve that if those who work most closely with vulnerable children are left outside the mandated framework. If we are serious about creating a culture of vigilance, accountability and care, every adult who has direct and sustained contact with children, especially in intimate care roles, must be both empowered and required to act when they have a concern. Recognising SNAs as mandated persons would not only strengthen the law, it would acknowledge their professionalism, their skill and the deep duty of care they already demonstrate every day in our schools. This is not about adding bureaucracy, it is about recognising reality. SNAs are already doing the work.”
“Because of that closeness, SNAs are often the first to notice when something is not right - a change in behaviour, a sudden withdrawal, an unexplained bruise or simply something that feels off. They are the adults that many children will go to first when they are upset or afraid. In many cases, they are the trusted bridge between the child and the wider world. Despite this vital role, SNAs are not currently recognised as mandated persons under the Children First Act. That, in my view, is a serious gap in our child protection system. It leaves these dedicated professionals uncertain about their legal obligations, and it risks delays in identifying or reporting potential abuse or neglect.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the floor of the Seanad. Today, I wish to speak about and call for legislation on an issue that goes right to the heart of child protection in our schools, the recognition of our special needs assistants, SNAs, as mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015. Every day across Ireland, SNAs stand on the front line of care for our most vulnerable children, those with additional and complex needs. They are not occasional visitors in a classroom. They are a constant, trusted presence in the lives of the children they support. They help these children learn, communicate, move and participate. They are the ones who provide comfort during moments of distress, who manage personal care with dignity and compassion and who often spend more one-on-one time with a child than any one else in the school.”
“He was a proud supporter of his beloved Austin Stacks club and rarely missed a match. His enthusiasm for the game reflected his broader love for community tradition and the spirit of Kerry. Only last week, Jim was appointed honorary consul of Ukraine for the south-west of Ireland, the first such position in the country. It was a fitting honour for a man who led first and foremost with humanity. Jim was more than a councillor; he was a mentor, a friend and a man of integrity. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the example he set for public service. His first words on leaving when he shook the Leader's hand were "Seán, my friend". To Sheila, James, Jill, Orla and the extended Finucane family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies. May Jim's memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace.”
“It is with deep sorrow that I rise to pay tribute to the late Kerry Fine Gael councillor, Jim Finucane. He was a dedicated public servant whose passing is a profound loss to County Kerry and, indeed, to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him closely. Jim devoted over 30 years to political life as an elected representative, serving with distinction and unwavering commitment. A native of Tarbert in north Kerry, he carried the values of his community with him throughout his life. Later, he made his home in Tralee where he built both a successful business and a loving family alongside his wife Sheila. Together, they raised three children, James, Jill and Orla, who were the pride of his life. Jim's passion for Kerry ran deep, especially when it came to Gaelic football.”
“It leaves dedicated professionals uncertain about their legal responsibilities and risks delays in identifying and reporting abuse or neglect. If we are serious about a culture of vigilance and care, every adult who has direct and sustained contact with children, especially those in intimate care roles, must be empowered and required to act. To leave SNAs outside the mandated framework is to underestimate their importance in the life of a child. I call on the Minister to come forward for a full debate in this House and to update the relevant Schedules to the Children First Act to ensure that special needs assistants are formally recognised as mandated persons.”
“I call for a debate on a matter that goes to the very heart of child protection in our schools: the recognition of special needs assistants, SNAs, as mandated persons under the Children First Act. There is mandatory reporting for certain professions, including doctors, nurses, social workers and teachers. Every day, SNAs across Ireland work on the front line of care. They are the constant support for our most vulnerable children, those with additional and complex needs. They see what teachers or principals may not always see - the quiet withdrawal, the unexplained bruises, the sudden change in mood - and they are trusted by the children and, crucially, by their parents. Despite this central role, SNAs are not listed as mandated persons in the legislation that governs child protection reporting. This is an unacceptable gap in our system.”
“Will future apprenticeship allocations be ring-fenced to protect delivery from broader budgetary pressures within further education and training? I acknowledge the decisive steps taken to protect apprenticeships and apprentices in 2025 and the collaborative work between the Department, SOLAS and our ETBs. Apprenticeships are not temporary measures; they are a core part of Ireland's skills architecture and economic future. I ask the Minister to provide the requested clarifications and publish the funding roadmaps so employers, training providers and learners can play with certainty. I look forward to working with the Minister in this term and into the next couple of years. I thank him for his work so far.”
“The Government's investment in 2024 and 2025 helped unblock the previous backlog in phase 2 and allowed more apprentices to progress through phase 2 and phase 4, reinforcing the commitment to the national apprenticeship action plan 2021-2025. That is fantastic work. I thank the Minister for confirming the immediate measures taken to stabilise the 2025 provision. To ensure confidence in the apprenticeship system beyond this, I request clarification from the Minister on the following points. What specific provisions have been made to ensure adequate and sustainable funding for apprenticeships from 2026 onwards? Has the Department developed a multiyear funding model that reflects projected growth in apprenticeship numbers?”
“These are significant challenges that the Minister's Department and officials are facing. The Minister prioritised resources to meet those funding pressures. He engaged with the SOLAS board and instructed officials to work with the SOLAS executive to avoid cancellations. SOLAS was directed to work urgently with the ETBs to complete rescheduling for the remainder of the year. ETBs completed rescheduling on a rolling basis. On 11 August, SOLAS finalised the funding allocation for apprenticeships with the ETBs, enabling delivery for the remainder of the year without cuts to wider further education and training funding.”