FÁS Training Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Ceisteanna (173)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

262 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if €20 million has been allocated for a new education and training fund; if design and operational details of the new fund have been arranged; if not, when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20039/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

Following on from the successful outcomes of the Labour Market Activation Fund which commenced in 2010 and concluded last year, funding of €20 million has been allocated from the National Training Fund in 2012 for a new Labour Market Education and Training Fund, which will be managed by FÁS and will deliver up to 6,500 education and training places. FÁS is currently developing proposals to maximise the benefits from the funding for jobseekers in line with activation priorities. As soon as the proposals have been sanctioned, a tender process will be established. It is expected that FÁS will make further public announcements on the issue shortly.