Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details regarding a FÁS programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38741/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the "JobFit" programme provided by TGB Learning Ltd and which is being funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund. The Fund is being managed by my Department and FAS has no role in its administration.

The Labour Market Activation Fund is designed to assist in the creation of innovative training and education provision by private, not-for-profit and public sector providers. It is targeted at specific priority groups among the unemployed, namely the low skilled, and those formerly employed in declining sectors - construction, retail and manufacturing sectors – with particular emphasis on the under 35s and the long-term unemployed. Following an open tender competition in which 370 tenders were received, offers of funding were initially made to 26 organisations across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors to support specific training and education programmes for the priority groups.

TBG Learning are a member of the Rehab Group. The Company has been contracted to deliver the JobFit programme in the following locations in Dublin at Blanchardstown, Smithfield and Tallaght and in Athlone, Castlebar, Cork, Dundalk, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford. Work experience is provided by local employers for periods of up to 4 full weeks, delivered flexibly according to employer and participants needs. Participants who successfully complete the programmes will receive recognised certification and these programmes will provide an opportunity for unemployed individuals to enhance their career prospects in a meaningful and realistic way and will provide a stepping stone for these people to pursue a career in their chosen profession.

TBG Learning has informed my Department that there are currently 694 participants on the various courses being provided and it should be noted that this figure exceeds the anticipated intake for October 2010. Of the start up number 51 participants have recently attained employment and this figure is expected to rise over the coming months. Further courses will commence throughout the reminder of 2010 and in early 2011 and it is anticipated that a total of 1,500 participants will avail of the programme. A total sum of €7.03m funding has been allocated to the running of these programmes from start to their finish in 2011. Funding is provided to the contracted bodies in 3 tranches.

A progress report on implementation of the project is due from TBG by end October 2010 and this will confirm progress at the various centres. In line with the contractual agreement TBG Learning are formally required to submit a Programme Evaluation Report to the Department of Education and Skills. The Report must show how completion of the programme has enhanced opportunities for its participants, and how the programme has progressed participants to full or part-time employment, or self-employment, or to further training or educational attainment connected with labour market opportunity. The Report must also show how value for money was delivered in the programmes. This final report is not due until completion of the programme. The Contracted Body were also advised to pay particular attention to the relevant ESF Regulations and Circulars and to those items qualifying as eligible expenditure and to expenditure, which is not eligible for a contribution from the ESF.

Departmental officials will be visiting one or more of the locations listed above as part of our monitoring process and further payments will not be made to the contracted body until such time as my Department is satisfied that they have adhered to the terms of the tender and subsequent contract. As part of this exercise, checks on sources of funding will be undertaken, including checks on such issues as duplication of funding.