Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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257. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide clarification on the delay in resolving an issue with FÁS and a company (details supplied) in County Donegal; if any other options will be discussed to facilitate the many applicants waiting to complete this course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45840/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I am informed that the company in question was invited to tender for the delivery of the 'Access to Offshore' training course which is specialist training that is delivered in Falcarragh, Co. Donegal.

I understand that the tutors that were qualified to deliver this training on behalf of the company in question have since taken up other employment offshore.

The proposed replacement tutors for the company in question did not have the mandatory certification to deliver the 'Access to Offshore' training course and SOLAS has requested that the company in question source new tutors who have the necessary qualifications for the course delivery. This has caused an unforeseen delay in the proposed start date of the training courses. However as per its procedures, SOLAS will not commence a training course unless the tutors are suitably experienced and qualified.