Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of students awaiting clarification on their certificates arising from the investigation into malpractice by contracted training providers engaged by FÁS; the potential loss of funds to the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33533/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following an internal audit report, which found irregularities in the delivery of its contracted training FÁS has been reviewing the training that it contracts for the unemployed. A number of issues of concern have arisen and FÁS is dealing with them in order to ensure that learners get the training and certification that they deserve while minimising the costs to the agency.

FÁS has identified a total of 54 training courses, all delivered in its North-East region, involving 968 course participants and 1719 certificates where certain issues remain outstanding before final certification can proceed. FÁS is working with the contractors concerned to resolve these matters and I understand from FÁS that these certificates will be issued shortly. No costs to date have been incurred to FÁS as a result of these certification matters and FÁS does not anticipate bearing any further costs.

The new Board of FÁS, together with the Director General, who also serves on the Board as an ex-officio member, are putting in place new procedures and practices to ensure that instances like this should not recur. These include:

A new system to upgrade training standards is being rolled out with an emphasis on more robust and frequent monitoring of FÁS training and assessment systems.

New contracted training procedures and revised contracts including more robust sanctions for non-compliance have been developed and agreed which are due to commence this month.

A revised tender framework with the aim of raising the quality of the training offered to FÁS clients is being introduced.

A new assessment marking scheme will be introduced in the first half of 2011 which will align FÁS's marking and grading criteria with FETAC requirements.