Social Welfare Code

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2011

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Questions (70)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

69 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider making amendments to the eligibility criteria for schemes such as TUS, FÁS training courses, the community employment scheme and so on to ensure that applicants who are not in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance payment due to the income of their spouse, partner or parents are not prevented from participating in skills programmes; her views on this matter; how she proposes that such persons improve their skills to increase their chances of gaining employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30292/11]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I have already indicated to this House that I wish to review and consider improvements to the operation of a number of programmes and initiatives funded by the Department of Social Protection to support people who are unemployed to get back into work, further training and/or education. Matters relating to extending the current eligibility criteria to those that are not in receipt of a social protection payment can only be considered in the context of a wider ranging review.

Eligibility for training courses provided by FÁS is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills.