Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - FÁS Training Programmes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

100 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the wage increase, if any, available to persons on existing FÁS courses resulting in a qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14861/99]

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

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.

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.