Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his commitment to ensuring that adequate provision is made. Both the public and private sectors are too lethargic in availing of these schemes at different times and perhaps the Croke Park agreement could ensure that the blockages put in place in the past to slow progress in the public service could be availed of also.

Could the Minister let me know if the Department of Education and Skills will have a role in the provision of training when FÁS is replaced by the new national employment and entitlements service?

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