Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In fairness to Mr. O'Toole, he took on the job at a very difficult time and there were many issues around FÁS and the like. My second set of questions concerns the whole process around transferring the training side of things over to the ETBs. From a capital point of view, there has obviously been a roll-out of buildings etc. What methodology is in place for the selection of locations and buildings for future training? I consider such new locations to be completely necessary, by the way. I am completely in favour of this and it probably should have been done years ago.

What is the process for doing that, more for the knowledge of the committee and to put it on the record than for my benefit? I know the answer to a degree. Obviously there will be overspill in respect of old FÁS centres and buildings. What is the process there? What is happening with the old buildings?

With regard to the selection of new locations and buildings, which I welcome, why rent rather than buy over a long period of time? Given the volumes of money being used in some cases, it seems the buildings could be bought rather than rented. Will Mr. O'Toole comment on the process, the old buildings and the choice of renting as opposed to buying?