The takeover of FÁS’s education and training role by the new entity Solas was announced in July 2011 by Education and Skills Minister Ruairí Quinn.

Minister Ruairi Quinn is concerned that millions of EU money, provided to retrain redundant construction workers, may have to be returned unspent.

An online nationwide survey, carried out in August 2011 on behalf of NALA and EBS, shows that two-thirds of Irish people struggle with money matters.

The AIESEP International Conference 2011 highlighted the importance to society of physical education, sport and physical activity.

The programme is aimed at people who wish to apply for a postgraduate course in Irish but feel they haven’t got the required standard in the language.

A survey carried out for AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation, claims the return to the state on community education is up to €29m a year.

Work placement programmes for people on social welfare are to be provided in the public service, the community sector, and in the private sector.

On Nov 29, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs launched its report: ‘Future Skills Needs of Enterprise within the Green Economy in Ireland’.

A unique tool has been launched which allows people wishing to advance their career opportunities to find a course that will fit their schedule.

A culture within the state training agency FAS of “flagrant spending devoid of scrutiny or scruples” has been revealed in another report by John Buckley.

From Letterkenny to Cork, Gaelchultúr is offering evening classes in Irish Language that will be engaging and fun and will suit different levels.