Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Questions (292)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

322 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if arrears for the period December 2008 and September 2009 will be forwarded to a person (details supplied); and if not, the reason therefor; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person was refused the one parent family allowance in view of the fact that they took up an offer of a VTOS course, however, the person believes that social protection guidelines at the time were contrary to this and actually allowed for a payment of one parent family allowance to someone if they took up a VTOS course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9163/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned was paid jobseeker's benefit from 15 December 2008 to 30 September 2009 when she commenced a VTOS course. While on the VTOS course she received a weekly training allowance equivalent to the maximum personal rate of jobseeker's benefit plus an increase in respect of a qualified child.

The person concerned applied for one parent family payment from 17 September 2009. Her application was disallowed as she had secured a position on a VTOS course and this decision was upheld on appeal. Persons in receipt of one parent family payments are also eligible for VTOS courses provided they are in receipt of payment prior to commencement of the VTOS course.