Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I ask the Deputy to let me conclude my remarks and we can consider the matter further.

I would like to point out that in the specific events in 2006 and 2007 described in the internal audit report to which the Deputy has referred, it was FÁS itself that discovered there were issues regarding inappropriate certification of training provided in the north east by this private firm. FÁS ensured that a comprehensive audit was undertaken into these activities and this was completed in February 2009. This audit concluded that, in regard to four contracts in the north east and Dublin North, assessment material had been manipulated and that the certification process had been undermined. To maintain the integrity of the training provided and ensure that trainees were not prejudiced by the actions of this private firm, where necessary, FÁS had the relevant trainees retrained and re-assessed and the certifying bodies were satisfied to issue the appropriate certifications.

The Tánaiste understands from FÁS that in respect of one of the courses the private firm paid for the retraining but in respect of another of the courses, the cost of retraining has to date been borne by FÁS. The Tánaiste has instructed her Department to ask FÁS to consider to what extent it can recover from the private firm the cost of this retraining and recertifying the trainees.

The Tánaiste also understands from FÁS that while the internal audit was under way and the report was being prepared, existing contracts between FÁS and this private firm were not terminated as FÁS believed it did not yet have a legal basis to do so. The last training course provided by this firm to FÁS finished on 10 April 2009. The firm does not currently have any training contracts with FÁS.

The Tánaiste believes it important to tell the House that FÁS has identified a number of other current potential certification issues in the north-east region in respect of other courses. Certificates have not issued pending a review of the relevant assessments, which is currently under way. FÁS has indicated that it will undertake a review of all current contracted training courses to ensure they are fully compliant. It will also implement a plan that it has developed to improve its capabilities in assessing, certifying and quality assuring our training interventions. In addition, FÁS is finalising a new form of contract which will be utilised for all future training contracts and will have strengthened clauses on specific performance and sanctions regarding any non-compliance which emerges.

The Tánaiste has instructed her Department to write to the director general of FÁS to seek clarification as to why, in the light of the private firm's acceptance in April 2007 that assessment material had been manipulated on one contract, FÁS and the private firm did not ensure that the same thing did not occur on subsequent contracts; whether FÁS can recover from the private firm the cost of retraining and recertifying the trainees; whether FÁS intends to establish if there is a basis for seeking to have this firm removed from the FÁS-EI National Register of Trainers; and the other action FÁS is taking to ensure that events of this nature cannot recur. FÁS has advised that the integrity of FÁS training products, processes and quality will be a central element in the new corporate strategy and plan for the organisation.

Continued confidence in our system of training and its certification is paramount and it is essential that FÁS has robust procedures in place. In this case the internal audit procedure within the organisation worked well in identifying and addressing a problem case.

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