Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath was refused funding from FÁS for a building energy rating training course on the basis that the profession was over-subscribed and employment was unlikely; the reason participants from different countries on the same course had their place fully funded by FÁS; when the person is likely to receive a refund from FÁS for the moneys paid out in fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33008/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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From inquiries made with FÁS, I understand that in March 2009, FÁS Employment Services made a policy decision to cease funding the Domestic BER Assessor training course (through TESG Technical Employment Support Grant) on the grounds that the profession was over-subscribed and employment was unlikely. I understand that at the time the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) confirmed that there was a surplus of registered BER Assessors in the context of potential employment opportunities. In addition, I understand that most clients who were not in a position to fund the training course themselves, found themselves also in the position of being unable to afford the registration fees with SEAI when they had completed the course. These SEAI registration fees (in the region of €1,000) are a pre-requisite for employment in the industry.

In relation to the allegation that other participants from different countries on the same course had their place fully funded by FÁS, if the Deputy will provide further particulars, I will have that matter looked into. It is FÁS policy not to fund training retrospectively through the TESG.