Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

The key role of SOLAS concerns policy, strategy and funding adult and further education and training. For these reasons, it is vital the entity have the skills and expertise necessary to execute these functions. The skills and expertise must be drawn from the VEC and FÁS sectors if it is to be effective. Therefore, it would be wise for the board of SOLAS to provide for equal representation for the VECs and FÁS, with the executive of SOLAS being staffed on a ratio of 50:50 by personnel from the VECs and FÁS. Will the Minister of State confirm that the 200 staff employed at FÁS head office will be transferred to SOLAS?

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