FETAC has put a hold on the issuing of almost all certificates to Fás pending the results of a national audit.

A STATE-APPROVED private training company, which has administered hundreds of education courses for the public and private sector, is under Garda investigation for allegedly falsifying certification.

A new university grades watchdog is being set up after US multinationals complained about the standard of Irish graduates, it was revealed today.

STRATEGIES to curb farm accident deaths and injuries are to be considered at a national seminar jointly organised by the Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc.

MACRA na Feirme and Teagasc have come together to develop a new leadership training module which will be included in all of the latter’s college courses in September.

LIKE all ministers, in the current economic crisis, Batt O’Keeffe is seeking to make budget savings.

THE slashing of 41 State agencies will be a “first installment” in a long term plan of reducing so-called quangos, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said last night.

IMPROVED services should be in place for almost 30,000 students in further education colleges next year following a breakthrough in government talks.

ALMOST one in three college places were taken up by non-Leaving Certificate students this autumn, as mature students and those with other college qualifications secure a growing proportion of third-level vacancies.

THE standards and reputation of further education awards could be at risk from proposed changes to assessment methods, teachers have warned.

Most childcare workers have, or are working towards, a qualification, says Neans McSweeney.

ALMOST 1,000 people are being offered a college place for the first time by the Central Applications Office (CAO) this morning.

Professor Joyce O'Connor and Nicky Hartery have joined CRH as non-executive Directors.

PLASTERERS and painters are among the trades climbing a ladder to higher achievements.

A college in Co Galway has announced plans to offer a new course on organic farming.