Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she first became aware of the need to review all FÁS courses across the country; the outcome of the investigation to date; the number of students who are likely to be affected by the investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47891/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I first became aware of FETAC's decision to place a hold on the issuing of certificates to FÁS on 18 November. I understand that FÁS, in the implementation of its new training standards system, discovered processing issues in the north east which gave rise to errors on requests which had been made by FÁS to FETAC. Certificates for 53 learners on six courses were involved but the certificates in question had not issued to the learners involved.

The errors arise from administrative processing and data entry issues rather than with the quality of the programmes. FÁS informed FETAC on 10 November.

FETAC, on 10 November, 2010, decided to hold the issuing of certificates to FÁS and is now conducting an examination of the processes underpinning the requesting of certificates by FÁS. It is doing so with the full co-operation of FÁS which is in agreement with this approach. FETAC is visiting each of the 17 centres that requested certificates and, as of close of business on Wednesday 15 December, had completed ten site visits. I understand that FETAC expects to complete the visits by the end of December and it will then consider the outcomes and determine next steps.

It has become clear as site visits have progressed that the issues encountered do not affect apprenticeship certificates or certificates issued under the construction skills certification scheme and that FETAC processing of these awards has recommenced. More than 1,300 of these certificates have now issued.

FETAC will be publishing a report of its examination which will outline any issues encountered and learners affected. I understand that FETAC will not be publishing outcomes in advance of the finalisation of the report. I can assure the Deputy that FÁS will address any issues raised in the FETAC report.

I understand that currently around 7,700 learners are experiencing delays of approximately three weeks in receiving their certificates. Every effort will be made to resolve any issues identified as quickly as possible so that learners can receive their certificates with the minimum of further delay.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for her reply and welcome the clarification as regards apprenticeship courses and courses to do with construction to the effect that they are absolutely 100% in the clear. The Minister said some 7,700 cases are being looked at. In other words their processing is being held up. These relate to the non-apprenticeship and non-construction course studies. Obviously for FETAC to identify the need to do those 17 audits in 17 different locations meant that serious issues had arisen. My problem is that I have failed to get an answer from the Minister today, and from parliamentary questions addressed to FÁS as to what exactly the issues are surrounding these 53 people. I shall ask the Minister again. Is it the case that 53 certificates over six courses were requested, and either the persons concerned had not actually sat an examination or repeated an exam? We know that there were hundreds of cases in courses around the country where the results had been manipulated. Does that refer to these manipulated courses, specifically, or not?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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To clarify, following on from the reports initiated by me and by FÁS as regards the issues that arose in the north east, a number of recommendations were made. One of them was to the effect that we would have to change the way in which we inputted the results. That new system commenced in September this year and is known as the new training standards system.

Another issue that arose was as regards the marking which was very complex and unclear. People either passed or failed unlike, say, in the junior or leaving certificate where there are grades as regards whether a student passes or fails. All of that work is being rolled out since September.

FETAC instigated its inquiry on the basis of the inputting, processing and administration. I am referring to the inputting of the results in order to draw down the certification. We all agree that the integrity of further education is enormously important and that is why FETAC has taken the decision to go to the 17 centres.

However, there are two different issues. This issue has arisen following an examination by FÁS. The other issue in the north east arose from a report arising from an investigation that was carried out. Unfortunately, those matters have not, as yet, been resolved. I have asked that they be resolved as a matter of urgency for the sake of the people concerned.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I have made a number of requests, having spoken to senior executives in FÁS and officials in the Minister's Department and others, in an effort to get answers to questions that have been outstanding for some time. I welcome what the Minister is saying and fully support FETAC's actions, as it is very important for it to verify and stand over all the results.

However, are any of the queries being addressed linked in any way to people being recommended for certification who did not actually sit examinations? Can she clarify the situation as regards the 7,700 outstanding certificates? Is it anticipated that the vast majority will pass or are there issues to be addressed in centres other than Dundalk?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In the main, these are not assessment-related issues. They are inputting, processing and administrative issues. However, I do not want to mislead the House since I do not have the full report to hand, as yet. It will be published and any issues that arise from it will then be dealt with forthwith.

As regards the 53 persons who still have not had the finalisation of their examinations, that is a separate issue. The issues pertaining to them are not the same issues that FETAC is examining.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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What about the people who had not sat an examination or repeated an exam?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Anybody who did not turn up for an exam will not get accreditation.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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My question is whether that applies to those 53 people, then.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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This question is as regards the FETAC examination and I do not wish to mislead the Deputy or be inaccurate in what I am saying. However, I will revert to the Deputy and I appreciate that he has looked for further information. I have asked my officials to ensure that this information will be made available to him, forthwith.