Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the full extent of the availability of training, reskilling or upskilling places likely to be made available through his Department by way of SOLAS in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25760/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Further Education and Training Bill is currently going through both Houses of the Oireachtas. Once enacted, the legislation will provide for the disbandment of FAS and for the establishment of SOLAS. The Bill has passed Committee Stage and the Report Stage is expected to commence in the near future. In the meantime FAS will continue to provide up-skilling and re-skilling training programmes. In 2013 FÁS aim to facilitate over 72,000 individuals through a range of training programmes, that provide industry/occupational specific skills as well as preparatory type training, to enable a diverse range of unemployed individuals referred to FÁS by the Department of Social Protection, to gain a recognised qualification, access job opportunities or progression opportunities to further/higher education/training.
