John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 75: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to ensure that all course participants who undertook courses with an organisation (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be able to complete their courses and obtain certification now that the company has closed; if he will investigate the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38415/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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FETAC-registered providers, delivering programmes of 3 months duration or more on a commercial and profit making basis, are required to have policy and procedures for the Protection for Learners, aimed at ensuring that there are adequate arrangements in place in the event of a provider ceasing operations. Such arrangements can include having an agreement in place with at least 2 other providers, to enable learners to transfer to continue their programmes should the provider cease operation.

FETAC is examining the protection for learners arrangements in place for the organisation referred to by the Deputy and will facilitate the transfer of learners as soon as learner enrolment information becomes available. FETAC is also in the process of identifying a range of providers to assist in assessing and certifying learners' work that has already been completed.

FETAC also intends to establish the number of learners enrolled on short programmes (i.e. programmes less than three months in duration) with a view to putting in place arrangements to enable those learners to complete their programmes wherever possible.