Minister Lawless invites expressions of interest to fill an ordinary member vacancy on the Board of An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS), the Further Education and Training Authority
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 3 December 2025
- Last updated on: 9 December 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill an ordinary member vacancy on the Board of SOLAS.
SOLAS was established in 2013 and is the further education and training authority. It is responsible for the strategic co-ordination and funding of the Further Education and Training (FET) sector.
Minister Lawless said:
“SOLAS plays a vital role in shaping Ireland’s future through education and skills development. I encourage individuals with a passion for lifelong learning and public service to consider this opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of our Further Education and Training system.”
Candidates must demonstrate evidence of extensive experience at an appropriately senior level in areas relevant to the functions of SOLAS or matters connected with finance, trade, commerce, corporate governance or public administration in one or more of the following areas: corporate governance, financial expertise, senior management experience; strategic thinking in areas relevant to the functions of the Board.
The appointment process is being managed on behalf of the Department by State Boards. A detailed Information Booklet and application guidance, including the role description, eligibility criteria, and application form, have been published by State Boards and can be found at the following link:
Expressions of Interest (EOI) should be submitted to State Boards (in line with their standard template process). Applicants should include a curriculum vitae and a short cover letter (maximum one page) indicating their suitability for the role.
Candidates who have been brought forward in this process may form a panel from which future vacancies arising in the next 12 months may be filled.
Appointments will be made with regard to merit, transparency and equality of opportunity. In line with governance best practice, gender balance and diversity are important considerations.
The closing date for receipt of EOIs is 3pm on Wednesday, 17th December 2025.
Notes to Editor
Background Information
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 FET Sector.
The legislation sets out the overall structure of SOLAS and provides for its functions in the areas of:
- 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.
Funding for Further Education and Training is provided by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from the Exchequer (central funds) and the National Training Fund. SOLAS is the main recipient of FET funding and allocates the bulk of this funding to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to deliver FET services at local level.