Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications for FÁS ten week courses in 2009; the number of applications for FÁS 20 week courses in 2009; the number of FÁS ten week courses available in 2009; the number of FÁS 20 week courses available in 2010; if her Department or FÁS has undertaken an analysis of the needs of unemployed people presenting for training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47888/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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FÁS captures detailed data on the profile of all new clients who register with FÁS. This includes details of their education levels, qualifications, work experience and employment sought, etc. An analysis of the data is provided to the FÁS Executive Board and Board on a monthly basis with a view to informing future provision of services and programmes. In addition, FÁS also systematically captures requests for training which are not currently directly available through FÁS. The significantly expanded Technical Employment Support Grant has substantially addressed the latter demand from clients through an increased budgetary provision.

The number of courses scheduled in 2009 of up to and including 10 weeks duration was 4,039 with 71,721 participants. There were 644 courses of between 11 weeks to 20 weeks duration with 11,902 participants. It is estimated that there were approximately 120,000 applicants for these courses. The schedule of courses for 2010 has to be finalised; the type and frequency of course will reflect the needs of clients.