Noel Dempsey
Question:94 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Labour if he will allow automatic entry to FÁS courses and programmes to students who complete the two year leaving certificate vocational programme.
Written Answers. - FÁS Training Courses.
Budgetary constraints limit the number of places available on FÁS training courses and priorities have therefore been established regarding the allocation of the available places.
At present, priority is given to the long term unemployed and early school leavers with other applicants being accommodated where possible. In these circumstances I could not ask FÁS to allow automatic entry to training to students who have completed the two year leaving certificate vocational programme. However, if young people who have completed the programme continue to experience difficulties in obtaining employment, they should contact FÁS to see if any further assistance can be provided for them.
Employment programmes are targeted at certain categories of unemployed people who are in need of particular assistance and I have no plans to alter the existing eligibility criteria.