Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
247. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that the number and type of training courses available in County Meath is sufficient to cater for the population base there; his plans to provide additional FÁS training courses in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37832/13]
View answer248. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way resources are allocated to each of the counties in the north east, namely Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan, for the provision of FÁS training courses; the way the population is taken into account in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37833/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together. This is a day to day operational matter for FAS. As of May 2013 there are 10,754 persons on the Live Register in Co. Meath. In 2013 FÁS plan to provide training opportunities for over 650 persons directly in locations in Co. Meath. In addition many people from Co. Meath also participate in FÁS training courses in Co. Louth and in Co. Dublin. The type of training available is determined by an annual comprehensive business planning process focused on providing training opportunities for employment. This business planning process consists of the following: Under the direction of the Board of FÁS, the FÁS Executive work closely with key FET stakeholders such as VECs, DSP/INTREO and other Government Departments such as DJEI, to ensure that FÁS training can make a key contribution to progressing the Government's 'Pathway to Work' initiative as well as meeting employer needs and the career and employment aspirations of a diverse range of clients who will engage with FÁS training throughout 2013. The national 2013 FÁS Training – Service/Business Plan is formulated via an internal and external consultation process at both local and national level and provides overarching national guidelines for training programme selection and delivery. At a regional and county level formal consultation takes place with key stakeholders e.g. Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards, Enterprise Ireland, Irish Development Authority, Enterprise Boards, Employers etc. A comprehensive analysis of available statistical data is also undertaken e.g. unemployment trends, vacancies, local job opportunities, regional labour market reports etc. This process helps to determine the regional and local course types with the focus on providing market led training opportunities. As the Deputy is aware, Solas is being established to co-ordinate the operation of the Further Education sector, alongside the rationalisation of 33 VECs and the FAS Training Centres into 16 Education and Training Boards. The Further Education and Training Act 2013 was enacted in July 2013 and SOLAS will be established before the end of the year. The Act requires that SOLAS prepares a five year national strategy in respect of the provision of further education and training. A wide ranging consultation process with key stakeholders including employers will from part of this process. In addition, the Act requires SOLAS to consult on an on-going basis with the Minister for Social Protection, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and employers in the context of the relevance of the programmes of further education to be funded by SOLAS. A business plan for 2014 will be prepared by Solas in that context. In general, live register figures and population figures are taken into account with available budget and resources being allocated based on a comprehensive regional annual business planning process.
