Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent of Government funding to a company (details supplied); if he has any concern or role in the salary being paid to the CEO; his views on recent information regarding the company relations with a private company and a conflict of interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9161/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Public funding is provided to the Rehab group both directly by my Department and through bodies under the aegis of my Department.

My Department has funded the Rehab group, including its National Learning Network division, in relation to the education of young adults with disabilities, as well as for school transport escort grants. Total funding from 2008 to March 2011 amounted to €2.8 million in this regard.

FÁS has funded the Rehab Group, including the National Learning Network, in relation to specialist training provision and funding relating to employment programmes. In the years 2008 to 2010 FÁS funding amounted to €149.8 million and was met from both Exchequer funding and funding from the National Training Fund. Additionally, under the Labour Market Activation Fund 2010, €4.9 million has been paid to date to TBG Learning, a company which is part of the Rehab group, to provide the JobFit training programme for the unemployed.

In the time available it has not been possible to obtain comprehensive information regarding funding to the Rehab Group from all bodies under the aegis of my Department. Details regarding further such funding will be provided to the Deputy should it be identified.

The Rehab Group is not a State body and my Department has no role in setting salary levels in the group. I am not in a position to comment on the relationship between Rehab and other companies.