Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason FÁS failed to train enough people to allow the safety certificate requirement to be implemented on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16729/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In 2007 FÁS provided Safe Pass Registration to 188,469 people and 17,000 people were registered under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). FÁS has developed a number of new programmes under the CSCS including Steel Fixing, Mobile Access Tower, Shot Firing, Signing, Lighting and Guarding at Road Works, and the Location of Underground Services.

FÁS was unable to complete the development of the necessary training material for the Signing, Lighting and Guarding at Road Works programme until Chapter 8 of the Road Signage Standards was finalised in November 2007, by the National Roads Authority, the Department of Transport and the Ashbourne Roads Group. This new standard will come into full effect in October 2008. FÁS has trained over 1,500 people using the current standard. Over 80 trainers/assessors have been trained in the new standard and they are currently delivering Chapter 8 standard training throughout the country.

Over 600 participants have been trained to date in the Location of Underground Services Occupation and this training is ongoing. 200 people have been trained on Mobile Access Tower training programmes since March 2007. Training for Shot Firing has commenced; the number for training in this occupation is anticipated to be low.

FÁS is working closely with the relevant industry and regulatory bodies to minimise any delays, which may occur and to continue the development and promotion of these programmes