Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has instructed FÁS to introduce training courses in green energy technology installation in view of its rising popularity and the lack of current qualified tradesmen in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9520/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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FÁS is currently involved in the funding and provision of energy related programmes to meet demand in this area.

At present the Services to Business Central Environmental Training Unit is currently developing a training programme in Energy Efficiency and alternative energy options in respect of industrial and commercial applications. The programme is being developed in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Construction Industry Federation and Waterford County Council. It is expected that the programme will be available from April and will be of six days duration.

At a regional level FÁS is currently funding a Gas Installation Domestic and a Gas Installation Safety programme. The Midwest Region is supporting Limerick Institute of Technology in the completion of a 3-year full time BSc in Renewable and Electrical Energy Systems.

In addition the FÁS Training Services Division has established two training facilities, at the Ballyfermot Training Centre and the Cork Training Centre, which specialise in Sustainable Energy Systems Installation and Maintenance Skills. At present the following three courses are on offer:

Domestic Biomass Installation

Domestic Heat Pump Installation

Domestic Solar Hot Water System Installation

These courses are designed to update the skills of crafts persons and are at FETAC level 6.