Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

The Minister, Deputy Quinn, and I have been anxious to engage with employees of FÁS and the VECs. Several weeks ago we held an enlightening meeting with the chairs and CEOs of the VECs in which we addressed a number of concerns in the VEC sector regarding what the future held for the new entity.

I share Deputy Smith's concern that when SOLAS comes into being, people should be able to trust the quality of service they receive as end users. Industry should also be able to trust that it can respond effectively to emerging skill requirements. It is important not to rush the process but it is also important to avoid unnecessary delays so that the new entity serves the people for whom it is intended in the most effective and high quality manner.

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