Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to her recent announcement regarding the replacement of FÁS with a new State training agency early next year, the effect this will have on participants who are currently partaking in FÁS schemes and if these courses will remain in place. [41513/10]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to her recent announcement regarding the replacement of FÁS with a new State training agency early next year, if the current practice that those eligible to remain on FÁS schemes for a further six years if over 55 will remain the practice. [41515/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.

The Employment Programmes and Services and Skills Training (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order of 2010, which came into force on 1 May 2010, provided for the reallocation of responsibility for FÁS as an Agency and its funding related to training and skills from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to my Department. Responsibility for the employment service and community service activities of FÁS and its related funding has also transferred to my Department on an interim basis.

The Department of Social Protection will, following the commencement of the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010, assume funding and overall responsibility of FÁS employment services and employment programmes including Community Employment. The Board of FÁS has recently submitted its proposal for a new Agency and is working with my Department to further develop and enhance the proposal in order to create an agency that provides high quality vocational training so as to deliver a workforce with the practical skills needed by the economy.