Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 6

Written Answers. - Training Allowances.

Richard Bruton

Question:

94 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether the normal social welfare percentage increases are applied to training allowances, the social employment scheme and the enterprise allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

FÁS training allowances have been tied to social welfare rates for some years now and training allowances are normally subject to the same increases as those applicable to social welfare payments.

There is no direct link between social welfare payments and the level of payment to participants in the social employment scheme or the enterprise scheme. The level of payments under these schemes is kept under review. However, with a given budget, any increases in these allowances would have to be at the expense of the numbers participating in these schemes.