asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the payment of child benefit beyond the age of 16 in respect of participants in FÁS training courses for which no remuneration other than travelling expenses is payable.
Written Answers. - FÁS Trainees Allowances.
111.
Legislation provides that child benefit is payable up to age 16 years or 18 years if the child is in full time education at a university, college, school or other educational establishment or if he is physically or mentally handicapped and unable to support himself.
Participants in FÁS training courses are entitled to a training allowance. These allowances are equivalent to the rates of unemployment assistance but young people under 18, who would not in any event qualify for unemployment assistance, are paid reduced allowances appropriate to their age. In addition, a travel allowance appropriate to their age may be payable depending on the distance the participant has to travel to the course centre. I have no plans to extend the payment of child benefit in respect of such trainees.