Vol. 544 No. 3
93 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the positive role and success of a network (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the need to fund the continued existence of the network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28616/01]
The CREST network is one of a number of projects supported under the training networks programme. This programme is a pilot initiative. It is designed to assess the potential of networking as a model for enterprise-led training and to examine the capacity to create networks which are self sustaining in the absence of continuing State support. The programme is operated by Skillnets Limited, an independent company with a board membership which reflects employer and employee interests.
Co-financing for the programme is provided by my Department and the European Social Fund. The programme commenced in 1999 and is scheduled to complete its operations at the end of March 2002. Sixty networks have contracted with Skillnets to carry out training-related projects within the overall time frame and budgetary envelope of the pilot programme.
The initiative is the subject of a major external evaluation commissioned by my Department. The evaluation will be concluded shortly and I will be considering whether further State support should be provided for the programme in future, taking into account the evaluator's findings.
I have received representations from the manager of the CREST network and a number of CREST members regarding the future of the network. My office has written to the manager appraising him of the situation as I have just outlined it and informing him that, in the event of the overall training networks programme being continued, decisions on the allocation of further funding to individual networks such as CREST will remain a matter for the board of Skillnets.
94 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans for initiatives for the retraining of workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28634/01]
FÁS has extensive experience in retraining workers who are threatened with or affected by redundancy. Its response is based on providing immediate assistance and support to those affected.
The support provided typically involves engaging in the first instance in intensive interviews with workers to outline the range of supports and services available from FÁS. Redundant workers are referred to available jobs, training courses or other appropriate options. If necessary, FÁS will establish special or customised training courses for workers to address their upskilling needs.
FÁS's existing approach is an effective one. However, it is continually trying to improve its services to threatened or redundant workers by increasing the flexibility and specialisation of training it can offer directly or through external training providers. Flexible approaches may include evening and Saturday courses, e-learning options and customised training.
FÁS is also developing broader personal supports to people affected by the trauma of redundancy, including advice on personal and financial matters.
In addition to the services offered by FÁS, I understand the task force on lifelong learning, which is due to report to me early in the new year, is looking at a range of issues for upskilling workers threatened with, or affected by redundancy.
