Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there is a limit to the number of FÁS courses a person can undertake over a given period of time; the reason any such limitation might apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30843/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Recruitment to FÁS courses for unemployed people is based on referral by Employment Services Officers of my Department. Referral is based on an officer's assessment of whether the client has the aptitude and ability to complete the training and whether this training will improve the client's prospects of being offered and accepting employment. In all cases, participation on a training programme should be on the basis of a clear plan and commitment to enter/re-enter the workforce. The assessment in each case will take account of the client's prior training record and the likely usefulness, for the client, of the particular further training being considered.

In the case of FÁS courses leading to Major Awards at Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), current guidelines are that a client may complete only one such training programme within a two year period. This 'two year rule' is in place to support Employment Services Officers in their role to progress clients through a defined progression path that leads clients to employment, and to avoid the possibility of clients being "re-cycled" through a series of unrelated major courses. It does not apply to shorter/evening/online courses leading to Minor qualifications, nor to courses leading to Major qualifications at levels below Level 5.

In exceptional circumstances, an officer may provide for a client to be referred to a second major award course at Level 5-10 within the two-year period where this can be shown to meet particular needs and where a training place is available that does not involve the displacement of other priority clients.