Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2009
222 Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether there is potential for some training programmes which are delivered by FÁS transferring to the vocational education committees in view of the Bordeaux Communiqué on enhanced European cooperation in vocational education and training, November 2008 and the more unified system of vocational education and training in other European states. [41114/09]
View answerFÁS, in addition to their own delivery of courses, already contract with other education and training providers for the provision of relevant courses. It is open to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and the Institutes of Technology to bid for the provision of appropriate courses.
VECs already provide courses on behalf of FÁS under the One Step Up initiative. Examples include the Skills for Work programme delivered under the Workplace Basic Education Fund which provides education and training in basic skills at FETAC Level 3. VECs also provide courses for participants in FÁS-run Community Education schemes under the Return to Education programme. In addition, VECs provide courses under the Learning at Work and Competency Development programmes.
FÁS and the Irish Vocational Education Association (representing VECs), supported by the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, recently signed a National Co-Operation Agreement in order to enhance co-operation and collaboration between both organisations.
