Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

First, that is totally outside the remit of this question. That being said, the issue on ESF funding has been clarified by officials in my Department to the committee. We will see a draw-down of the ESF entitlements on the basis of a new computerisation which is being provided for.

The position is as follows. I want to give confidence to many who work within FÁS who, as all of the Members of this House know in their hearts and souls, provide a great service. We must give confidence to those staff. We must be learner focused and ensure that we can provide relevant training and skills, regardless of the participants academic acumen. We also must provide training opportunities for those with a disability.

We will see a situation where the strategic focus of FÁS will be based on the full implementation of its strategic plan. I will wholeheartedly support the board in the transfer to the Department of Social Protection, in the provision of new services and in how we will ensure that the learner will benefit.

Deputy O'Dowd stated he believed the leopard has not changed its spots.

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