Vol. 541 No. 2
189 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in approving funding for the payment of a child care allowance to FÁS trainees; when this payment will be forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21869/01]
Funding for the child care allowance was approved in the Revised Book of Estimates for 2001 and has been implemented by FÁS from 24 September 2001. Before the allowance could be implemented, it was necessary to develop a set of criteria and procedures to meet the needs of the implementing agency – FÁS – and its clients. The allowance will be paid at a rate of up to £50 per week per child to eligible participants on FÁS training programmes, excluding apprenticeships.
