I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.
I understand from SOLAS that they procure the services of subject matter experts, and certain services for temporary work load requirements, through a number of employment agencies. SOLAS have informed me that the work being carried out would be of a temporary nature and would not lend itself to a full-time permanent appointment. They are aware, however, that a small number of agency workers would have been provided to FÁS/SOLAS by different agencies in excess of an eight year period but this would not have been a continuous period over this timeframe.
My Department has agreed a Work Force Plan with SOLAS and a recruitment process has commenced for a number of positions across the organisation. The majority of these positions are open to all applicants.