Brendan Griffin
Ceist:205 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27127/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 June 2012
Ceisteanna (217)
Freagraí scríofa
This is a day to day operational matter for FÁS. FÁS liaises actively with the Department of Social Protection's local Employment Services Office and the Local Partnership Companies to determine demand and responds accordingly. The current Training Centre based in Tralee also services North Kerry and the Dingle peninsula which have higher unemployment figures.
FÁS currently have an active training provision for the Killarney catchment although demand has declined recently compared to some other areas. Over the last 5 years FÁS have run courses in the KTI (Killarney Technology Innovation Centre) Technology Park in two dedicated computer rooms. However the walk-in multimedia training room in Killarney has ceased operation due to decreased demand. Night and evening training courses will continue to be offered in various Killarney venues. A range of courses are also provided from FÁS' on-line/blended suite of courses for the whole of County Kerry.
The Deputy will be aware that the Further Education and Training sector is currently undergoing major structural reform. When established SOLAS will have strategic responsibility for further education currently delivered by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and training currently delivered by FÁS. This rationalisation will also see the establishment 16 Local Education and Training Boards (LETBs).