Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Farrell for giving me the opportunity to clarify this very important issue. The organisation of FÁS training is an operational matter for that body but I am pleased to let the Deputy know that I have been informed that officials in FÁS training services have not made a decision to discontinue the provision of training courses in the Balbriggan area.

The FÁS training centre in Baldoyle has responsibility for the operation and administration of contracted training in north Dublin, which includes the Balbriggan area, and in 2011 the training centre conducted a performance review of its training portfolio and provision over the previous two years. This review, in conjunction with the FÁS training strategy and corporate objectives, determined the initial 2012 portfolio and the allocation of training provision within north Dublin, including the Balbriggan area. As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, in light of the prevailing economic and financial conditions, it is imperative that training courses achieve critical performance measurements and value for money to ensure continuing budget allocation.

The FÁS analysis of the training courses delivered in the Balbriggan area highlighted that in some cases the required training outcomes, particularly placement into employment, were not achieved, and consequently the initial 2012 allocation of training provision in the Balbriggan area has been adjusted. The FÁS training centre in Baldoyle is currently in the process of reviewing the allocation of contracted training provision for 2012 and as part of this process the centre will review training provision within Balbriggan and other areas with a view to identifying training requirements that are in line with labour market demand and which will produce quality outcomes and value for money. The Deputy may already know that in addition to contracted training courses, FÁS currently funds local training initiative projects and the Balbriggan enterprise development group jobs club.

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