In response to the need for people with fluent conversational skills in various European languages, FAS ran four six month courses in Dutch, French, German and Swedish last year. This year, courses in French and German will be offered, according to a FAS spokesman.

There will be about 350 places on these courses, which will also be six months long. Applicants need to have pass French or German in their Leaving Certificate.

The course will bring them up to City and Guilds' level four standard which is what employers are looking for, according to FAS. This level of fluency should unable them to conduct telephone conversations, to answer queries and to take down data.

Of the four groups who completed the courses in November and December last year, about 70 per cent are already employed. There is an amazing demand for people with language skills, according to FAS.

Anyone interested in participating in the upcoming French and German courses should contact their local FAS office. It is anticipated that courses will start in April or May. Most of the courses will be run in Dublin with the balance taking place in Cork.