The Government has approved the establishment of a new education and training authority, which will be called SOLAS.
The new body will replace FÁS, which is to be disbanded.
Functions previously carried out by FÁS will now be taken over on a 50/50 basis by both the Department of Social Protection and Department of Education.
The Department of Social Protection will take responsibility for programmes such as the community employment schemes, while further education and training areas will go to the Department of Education and Skills.
There will be a much greater role for the VEC's, which will now take over the running of many courses currently provided by FÁS.
Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn said this morning its mandate would be to ensure the provision of high quality further education and training programmes to jobseekers and other learners.
SOLAS stands for Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanunaigh Agus Scileanna.
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