Vol. 573 No. 2
23 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the continuation of external training courses will be ensured in view of their excellent value for money; her plans to continue these courses in 2004 and beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21569/03]
FÁS training courses are run in response to the needs of both the employed and those who are unemployed. Where these needs are best addressed by the award of short-term contracts to external training providers, the policy of previous years will continue to apply. The award of contracts is subject to a tendering process, which ensures that value for money is obtained.
The plans for training programmes for 2004 are currently being prepared by FÁS and, in line with previous years, these plans are being reviewed to ensure that they address the needs of the employed and the unemployed, are in line with FÁS strategic objectives, provide good value for money and stay within the budgetary limits set for 2004. FÁS will, following the finalisation of the 2004 budget, set out its training programmes for 2004 both in terms of its delivery from its own training centres and the utilisation of external providers to deliver such programmes.
