FETAC suspends FAS certs pending investigation

The State training agency FAS is once again at the centre of controversy following revelations last night that FETAC has withheld the granting of all FAS course certificates pending the results of their national audit.

The awards council began a national investigation of all FAS programmes last month after administrative and procedural errors arose in the north east.

It is the latest bombshell to hit FAS, and will impact on thousands of young people, trainees and unemployed who are studying for FETAC qualifications through the training agency.

Reacting to the revelations, Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd said FAS must be abolished as the organisation has "no credibility".

Youth Work Ireland expressed concern over the matter saying that quality education and training for young people in the current economic climate is extremely important.

Spokesperson for the group, Michael McLoughlin says the issue with certification must be resolved quickly.