Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places by way of training or social employment available through Solas in the current year; the extent to which this is likely to meet the requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10531/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs advises the Government on the current and future skills needs of the economy. This advice, together with information for other relevant agencies, both local and national informs course planning and provision.

In 2012, at a time of reducing resources my Department will fund over 450,000 education and training places across the range of provision in the higher education, further education and training sectors.

FAS plan to deliver up to 75,000 training places in 2012 and will manage the new Education and Training Fund which will provide up to 6,500 places.FAS plan to provide 50% of its training activities in the demand-led training category. 30% planned to meet client preferences and 20% planned to meet the needs of those who require further supports.

My Department and its agencies will prioritise places, including in the further education and training sector, specifically for those on the Live Register for 12 months or more, and improve data collection and impact evaluation to ensure delivery of this goal.

The establishment of SOLAS , the new Further Education and Training Authority, that will replace FAS , will ensure the provision of 21st century high-quality further education and training programmes. It is crucial that these programmes will be responsive to the needs of learners and employers.

My Department also has a number of upskilling and reskilling measures under the recently announced "Action Plans for Jobs" initiative. In addition, the "Pathways to Work" initiative will set out the strategy to reform labour market activation policy. My Department will have a significant role in the implementation of that policy. I am also satisfied that this new activation policy will make a very positive contribution to the training, upskilling and re-skilling of those on the Live Register and thereby enhance their employment opportunities.