Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 7

Written Answers. - FÁS Training Programmes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

39 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the £25 special FÁS allowance will be extended to all other courses for adults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14694/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

A training bonus of £25 per week for long-term unemployed people on mainstream 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 for 12 months or more before commencing training with FÁS. People who progress to such training from community employment are also eligible for the bonus, provided they were on the live register for 12 months or more immediately prior to commencing community employment.

The training bonus is part of an integrated package of measures which I have introduced this year to improve opportunities for long-term unemployed people to progress to employment. There is clear evidence that people who participate on mainstream FÁS training courses, which have close links to the labour market, significantly improve their chances of getting a job.

The bonus is payable in respect of participation on all mainstream FÁS courses and I have no plans to extend it beyond these courses.