Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, there are. SOLAS has a five year strategy, one of the key goals of which is getting value for money and targeted evaluation. The issue is how we evaluate the courses and monitor the outcomes. That did not always happen in the past. We all know this, as there are plenty of stories, but I will not go there. I am happy, however, that the current model for the future is the right one and that we will be able to track the position. Money will be spent wisely and, through the service level plans, we can adapt to what industry needs to fill jobs in the future in various areas. It is the correct model and we must build on it.

I can confirm that FÁS staff moved to the employment services of the Department of Social Protection, the ETBs and the training centres. SOLAS has approximately 200 of its 1,800 staff. I am happy that SOLAS has been designed correctly and will work well. We must now use the new system correctly and I hope we can do this.

Senator Mary Moran asked about the number of places available. I do not have the list of courses, but it is included in the five year strategy. The numbers of places are roughly the same at 270,000, but I can send the Senator the list of courses. The benefit of the new arrangement is that there will be service level agreements, which means that we can change courses as we proceed should that be necessary. Both SOLAS and the education training boards are up to the game in most cases. They know what must be done and that they must be flexible in what they deliver. There are many staff involved and many issues that still need to be resolved, but the effort will be to reflect what is needed in education and society.