Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 October 2014
160. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will re-examine the travel allowance for CDETB courses as many persons are having difficulty with high travel costs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40775/14]
View answerAllowances are paid to participants on some ETB programmes, including training programmes, programmes under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and Youthreach. In general, the amount paid is aligned to the person's Social Welfare entitlement and this amount is paid for the duration of the course. In addition, a weekly travel allowance based on distance travelled to the course is paid to trainees where appropriate. The amounts payable represent the maximum weekly rates and are subject to terms and conditions. The travel allowances are intended to ensure that participants can access appropriate programmes. In the context of resources available and the need to continue to fund core provision costs, it is not possible at this time to re-examine the travel allowance for ETB programmes.
