I am interpreting the Deputy's question as referring to the allowances paid to participants on FÁS training courses. These allowances are increased periodically in line with increases in social welfare payments.
A training bonus of £25 per week for long-term unemployed people on FÁS training courses was introduced on a pilot basis with effect from 19. April 1999.
The bonus is payable to trainees who were on the live register and in receipt of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance for 12 months or more before commencing training with FÁS. People who progress to FÁS training from community employment or the job initiative programme will also be eligible for the bonus, provided they completed a minimum of 12 months on community employment or job initiative prior to commencing training.