Minister Lawless appoints Dr. Barry O'Connor to the Board of SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 12 April 2026
- Last updated on: 17 April 2026
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD today announced his appointment of Dr. Barry O’Connor to the Board of SOLAS for a five-year term. Dr. Barry O’Connor is a chartered engineer. He served as President of Cork Institute of Technology, spearheading the establishment of Munster Technological University. Prior to this appointment he held significant leadership roles in academia, across higher education, and has industrial experience in the food and bioprocessing sector in the UK and Ireland. Roles included Registrar & Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of School of Engineering. His career spans over 40 years at the vanguard of higher and further education, research, apprenticeships, and international quality assurance. He has significant board experience, has chaired national and international working groups, and continues to deliver nationally and internationally as an expert reviewer and consultant. Speaking today, Minister Lawless said:
"Following consultation with my colleagues, the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr O’Connor to the Board of SOLAS. Dr O’Connor brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise at a pivotal time as we advance the next Further Education and Training Strategy.
"The Board of SOLAS plays a key role in providing effective governance, strategic oversight and assurance that the organisation operates to the highest standards of accountability. Dr O’Connor’s skills and experience will support the Board in continuing to fulfil these important responsibilities."
This appointment was made from a panel established following a recruitment process managed by the State Boards section of publicjobs on behalf of the Department to fill a vacancy on the Board.
Notes
About SOLAS
An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS), the Further Education and Training Authority, was established in October 2013 under the Further Education and Training Act 2013. Under the aegis of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, SOLAS is responsible for the strategic co-ordination and funding of the Further Education and Training (FET) Sector. The legislation sets out the overall structure of SOLAS and provides for its functions including:
- the development and implementation of a national strategy for the delivery of further education and training
- consultation with key stakeholders in relation to the provision of further education and training
- coordination with the National Public Employment Service, Intreo, in the delivery of further education and training programmes to those seeking employment
- advancing monies to the Education and Training Boards and other training bodies
- assessing whether bodies engaged in the provision of further education and training programmes perform their functions in an economic, efficient, and effective manner
- developing and facilitating the development of new and existing further education and training programmes; conducting research relating to the functions of SOLAS.
Section 10 of the Further Education and Training Act 2013 provides that the Board of SOLAS shall consist of a chairperson and 12 ordinary members (including the Chief Executive who is an ex officio member). The Chairperson is appointed by the Minister and of the remaining 11 members, two are appointed following their nomination by the Minister for Social Protection, one is appointed by the Minister from people who are representative of the interests of FET learners, with the remainder appointed by the Minister following consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Minister for Social Protection, from people who have experience of, and expertise in relation to matters connected with the functions of SOLAS, or with finance, trade, commerce, corporate governance or public administration.
The Board meets regularly, and members may be required to serve on committees established by the Board. The Board is collectively responsible for promoting the success of SOLAS by leading and directing the Body’s activities, providing strategic guidance to the organisation, and monitoring the activities and effectiveness of its management. The gender composition of the Board following this appointment is seven males and six females. This meets the Government target of a minimum of 40% representation of each gender.
Fees payable
Ordinary members of the Board of SOLAS are paid a fee of €11,970 per annum. It should be noted that, in line with the ‘One Person, One Salary’ principle, no public servant is entitled to receive remuneration in the form of board fees, save for situations that are statutorily provided for e.g. Worker Directors.