Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2016

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

Questions (9)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

9. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why on a voluntary training opportunities scheme course no longer counts towards the eligibility period for community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8875/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys)

Time spent on a VTOS course does count towards CE eligibility. The current eligibility criteria for Community Employment (CE) published on the welfare.ie public website includes the following clause, "Time spent on recognised training programmes (such as a SOLAS/ETB training course or VTOS Course) or in prison can also be counted towards eligibility."