Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
247. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the agreed contracts to provide educational courses through ETBs that have been awarded to an organisation (details supplied) since its inception; the courses across each ETB area; the certification level of the courses provided; the duration of the contracts awarded; and when they are due to be re-tendered in tabular form. [12466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Learning Network (NLN) is the largest of 17 providers of Specialist Vocational Training under the Specialist Training Provider programme. The NLN provides approximately 80% of places under this programme in 30 different centres. The balance of the total provision is delivered by 16 other providers. The provision of the service by the NLN had been a long standing contracted arrangement with FAS and, prior to 2000, the National Rehabilitation Board.
The new Education and Training Boards came into existence on 1 July, 2013 and have taken over operational responsibility for the former training activities of FÁS, including the provision of specialist training to persons with a disability.
An “Agreement to Collaborate” annual contract is entered into between the Education and Training Board on the one hand and, in the case of the National Learning Network, the specific training centre on the other.
Oversight of the agreement, including the funding provided for the provision of Specialist Training, is exerted through annual processes of monitoring, review, centre visits, checking of monthly claims and business planning and review. Every Specialist Training centre is required to implement an annual business plan.
Details of NLN courses in each ETB area, including the certification level provided can be found at www.fetchcourses.ie
