Skip to main content
Normal View

Education and Training Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Questions (157)

Brendan Smith

Question:

157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale behind reducing training allowance for further education and training participants in view of the fact that the majority of these students are disadvantaged students who should be helped to return to education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2715/13]

View answer

Written answers

Allowances for further education and training participants are being progressively aligned to social welfare payments and accordingly, as part of Budget 2013, a number of changes were made in this area with effect from 1 January 2013.

Previously participants on Youthreach and VTOS courses and FÁS training schemes could have their social welfare entitlement increased to a maximum €188 per week, in cases where their social welfare entitlement was less than this. This arrangement was discontinued in January 2013 for new participants on these schemes aged 25 years and over. Accordingly their training allowance will not exceed their previous social welfare entitlement. In the case of new participants aged under 25, there continues to be a potential increase , but to the reduced maximum level of €160. This decision was taken as it is no longer considered appropriate to provide a financial incentive to people to take up education and training places.

It should be noted that in cases where a participant's social welfare entitlement exceeds the training allowance, a training allowance equivalent to this entitlement will be paid on receipt of certified evidence.

Questions Nos. 158 and 159 answered with Question No. 135.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 132.
Top
Share