Unemployed will be ‘activated’ by Fás replacement

PEOPLE out of work who resist returning to further education or participating in community employment schemes will suffer financial consequences, according to the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn.

The warning came as Mr Quinn announced the formal abolition of the State training agency, Fás, which will be replaced by Solas (meaning Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna) — a new authority which will oversee the further education and training sector.

Mr Quinn said unemployed people will be systematically referred for the first time to the further education sector.