EMPOWER, A STATE-APPROVED training agency, is facing three separate enquiries, including a garda fraud investigation.

The Kilkenny-based private company, which provided FETAC-certified training, has ceased trading. The closure could affect up to 1,000 students.

RTÉ reports that company records show it received almost a quarter of a million euros in fees from prospective students between July and September this year, with some people paying over €2,000 to attend training.

A FETAC spokesperson said that up to 600 students are still registered on Empower courses.

One caller to RTÉ’s Liveline today said that she had worked as a tutor for the company, but considered herself one of the lucky ones, as she had been paid. Other employees claim to be owed up to €5,000 by the company.

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Training agency facing fraud investigation

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.