Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 70: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a proposal (details supplied) for the provision of training for a business in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36636/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of the butchery training proposal in question. FÁS and the National Butchery Academy (NBA) are currently finalising details with regard to a proposed Pilot Butchery Skills Programme to be run by the National Butchery Academy on behalf of FÁS. A number of meat industry companies have endorsed this pilot programme. FÁS understands that the meat company in question supports this important national training initiative for the meat industry.

The National Butchery Academy is an accredited FETAC provider. In that regard, the existing FETAC approved FÁS curriculum and assessments, designed originally for new employees at operative level in the meat processing industry, will be modified to meet the needs of unemployed persons and jobseekers as part of this pilot. An evaluation of this pilot programme is part of the pilot process. The outcomes of this evaluation will inform decisions on future training for the meat industry.