Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that will be implemented to intensify cross-Border co-operation in the provision of further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6436/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very committed to the development of stronger North-South links in the Further Education and Training and this continues to be a major focus for my Department under its Statement of Strategy.
There is good co-operation which currently exists between Education and Training Boards, and the Regional Colleges in Northern Ireland, of which my Department and the Department of the Economy in Northern Ireland are very supportive. The North West Strategic Growth Partnership is an example of this, where Donegal ETB and the North West Regional College in Northern Ireland ensure their programme complement, rather than compete with each other to align their provision with the FET needs of that region.
It is also important to note the important work which Aontas, the adult learning organisation, have been doing to support collaboration among community education practitioners in Northern Ireland.
Mindful of the framework for cross-border collaboration under the forthcoming PEACE PLUS programme, I am confident that there is more potential for strengthened collaboration in FET, and I do hope to meet with representatives from the Regional Colleges in Northern Ireland in the near future to explore further opportunities.
