Vol. 472 No. 3
20 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the distinction between full time FÁS craft and non craft training courses in relation to payment for adult dependants; if he will give examples of these courses; and if he will amend the rates of payments to pay adult dependants for all FÁS courses. [22127/96]
FÁS craft courses are those involving an apprenticeship leading to a specific craft certificate and the rules governing such courses are jointly overseen by FÁS and the craft subcommittees for appropriate trades. The rates of payment for participants on these courses are craft related and are agreed with the various subcommittees which are representative of employer and trade union interests. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for me to interfere with these rates to incorporate adult dependant allowances.
The rate of payment to participants on non-craft training courses is based on a person's social welfare status prior to commencement of such courses. Examples of non craft courses include specific skills training, skills foundation and enterprise training. The level of remuneration is based on the long-term rate of unemployment assistance plus allowance in respect of dependants as certified by the Department of Social Welfare.
