FÁS Training Programmes Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Questions (588)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

588. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 309 of 12 March 2013, the avenue available to a person who is unemployed or disabled and not in receipt of a social welfare payment to engage in a training course when they have been advised by their local FÁS office that they are not entitled to participate in any course because they are not in receipt of a social welfare payment; if FÁS must provide training courses to those who are disabled and not in receipt of a payment due to a spouse's income and where this training course would be beneficial to their rehabilitation and well-being; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16327/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Persons who are unemployed but not eligible for a jobseeker's/disability payment are generally eligible to take part in training courses. However, only those participants who were receiving a jobseeker's/disability payment prior to commencing training may be eligible to receive a training allowance while undertaking a course. While my Department determines the eligibility conditions for social welfare payments, specific issues pertaining to access/eligibility to FÁS courses are ultimately a matter for the Department of Education and Skills/FÁS. Similarly, while there is provision for FÁS to consult with my Department on course provision, the final decision on course provision is made by FÁS as part of its annual service plan.

In the circumstances, the issue of course provision is ultimately a matter for the Department of Education and Skills/FÁS.