Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I take issue with FÁS making a decision to reduce the training facilities by 100% upon completing an investigation into the effectiveness of the courses it provides. Given that the assessment was done over the past two years, when we lost the most jobs in this State, I would have thought some consideration would be given to that fact. I am disappointed, although there is a chink of light in the indication that FÁS will continuously review training provision within Balbriggan and other areas. As I noted at the start, in 2010 there were 20 courses, and that was reduced by almost 50% to 12 courses in 2011. Now there is none and the unemployment rate has increased substantially in the area.

I accept the Minister of State's indication that it is the responsibility of FÁS to make such decisions but I plead with him to have a conversation with officials in that body and convey to them my sentiments and those of a number of residents in the area who have been in touch with me. There have been two headlines in local media about this issue and one of the comments, to which I have already alluded, is that Balbriggan residents can access FÁS services in Baldoyle directly by mainline rail within the travel allowance available. That is true but the allowance is just over half of what would be required in order to attend the facility. Will the Minister of State convey these facts to FÁS with a view to reviewing the decision?

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