Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1260. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that are available to those seeking to retrain as transport drivers in terms of meeting the costs of a driver's certificate of professional competency. [40902/22]
View answer1267. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the take-up of the €1,000 grant for training by those on any social welfare scheme; and if she plans to make any changes to the scope of the scheme. [40984/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1260 and 1267 together.
The Training Support Grant is designed to support quick access to short-term training where the training is not delivered by a State provider. The grant can be provided where an immediate skills gap is identified that represents an obstacle to taking up a job offer or accessing other opportunities. There were 1,733 people supported in the year to end June 2022.
Under the 2020 July Stimulus, maximum funding available to a person through this grant was doubled from €500 to €1,000. This ensures that greater funding is available for individuals to assist with their short term training costs. There is a provision of €11m for this support for 2022. At present there are no plans to change the Training Support Grant.
While the primary focus of the scheme is on jobseekers and on supporting the activation policy of the Department, the grant is also available for individuals in receipt of other qualifying payments, who may be looking to up-skill when seeking employment.
Support towards costs of driving tuition for heavy goods vehicles, rigid trucks and buses can be considered under this scheme and can include the cost of the Certificate of Professional Competence.
I trust this clarifies the position.
