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Asked by Connie

AQW 52002/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy

To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has undertaken any assessment of introducing a tools grant for those engaging in practical further education courses.

Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 15 September 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
15 September 2026
Answer due by
30 September 2026
Answered
25 September 202610 days after tabling
Department
Department for the Economy
Priority question
No

Answer

My Department has not undertaken an assessment of introducing a tools grant for those engaging in practical Further Education (FE) courses. However, a number of support measures are available for eligible students to assist with course-related costs, including FE Grants and the Hardship Fund.

Official sources

  • AQW 54267/22-27To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has directed further education colleges on the courses that should be depriori…
  • AQW 53419/22-27To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department annually monitors the costs of tools needed to complete further education qual…
  • AQW 53418/22-27To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the average cost of tools to study (i) bricklaying; (ii) carpentry and joinery; (iii) elect…
  • AQW 53417/22-27To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has considered introducing a bulk buying scheme through colleges for tools nee…
  • AQW 53416/22-27To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 52002/22-27, whether she has any plans to do so before the end of the 2022-27 Assemb…