Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure that is currently used by FÁS in selecting persons and assessing thier suitability to undertake courses in horticulture as part of reskilling; if FÁS have engaged with representatives of the horticultural industry in terms of candidate selection and course contents; if, as part of the creation of SOLAS, he will require the horticulture industry to be consulted in the re-design of any new courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The selection of participants for FÁS 'reskilling' courses is currently a matter for the Department of Social Protection.

Within its Adult Training provision, FÁS currently offers two Horticulture Programmes. One leads to a FETAC Award at Level 4 and the other a FETAC Award at Level 5. These major awards were led by TEAGASC in their development as they are the Authority in Ireland for agriculture and food development, including horticulture.

The forthcoming SOLAS legislation will provide for the dissolution of FÁS and the establishment of SOLAS as a new statutory authority to oversee the Further Education and Training sector. When it is established SOLAS will have strategic responsibility for further education currently delivered by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and training currently delivered by FÁS. At the present stage of development full details of the day to day operation of SOLAS are still under consideration however, the envisaged remit of SOLAS will include the requirement to consult with the relevant industries for which courses are provided.