FETAC defends response to Empower inquiry

EDUCATION accreditation body FETAC has defended itself against accusations of inaction after Empower Training ceased trading last week, leaving hundreds of students fearing they have lost more than €250,000 in fees.

In February, the accreditation body was contacted by state agency Skillnets to highlight problems with the Kilkenny-based trainer. The issues included a preliminary Skillnets investigation concluding that the trainer was issuing false certifications.

On September 13, FETAC eventually suspended the company from its register of trainers but only posted this information on its website on October 7.