Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I first became aware of FETAC's decision to place a hold on the issuing of certificates to FÁS on 18 November. I understand that FÁS, in the implementation of its new training standards system, discovered processing issues in the north east which gave rise to errors on requests which had been made by FÁS to FETAC. Certificates for 53 learners on six courses were involved but the certificates in question had not issued to the learners involved.

The errors arise from administrative processing and data entry issues rather than with the quality of the programmes. FÁS informed FETAC on 10 November.

FETAC, on 10 November, 2010, decided to hold the issuing of certificates to FÁS and is now conducting an examination of the processes underpinning the requesting of certificates by FÁS. It is doing so with the full co-operation of FÁS which is in agreement with this approach. FETAC is visiting each of the 17 centres that requested certificates and, as of close of business on Wednesday 15 December, had completed ten site visits. I understand that FETAC expects to complete the visits by the end of December and it will then consider the outcomes and determine next steps.

It has become clear as site visits have progressed that the issues encountered do not affect apprenticeship certificates or certificates issued under the construction skills certification scheme and that FETAC processing of these awards has recommenced. More than 1,300 of these certificates have now issued.

FETAC will be publishing a report of its examination which will outline any issues encountered and learners affected. I understand that FETAC will not be publishing outcomes in advance of the finalisation of the report. I can assure the Deputy that FÁS will address any issues raised in the FETAC report.

I understand that currently around 7,700 learners are experiencing delays of approximately three weeks in receiving their certificates. Every effort will be made to resolve any issues identified as quickly as possible so that learners can receive their certificates with the minimum of further delay.

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