Conor Lenihan
Ceist:87 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the level of funding available to an individual who receives the training allowance. [20382/98]
Written Answers. - FÁS Training Allowance.
Conor Lenihan
Ceist:88 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has to raise the level of the training allowance to offer an incentive to people to participate in training centres. [20384/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.
The amount of training allowance is graduated according to the age of the trainee and, in the case of trainees aged 18 and over, on whether the training involved is full or part-time. In addition to these training allowances, trainees may also qualify for accommodation and meals allowances. I am providing the Deputy with a detailed schedule of the sums involved.
I would draw the Deputy's particular attention to the fact that where a trainee's social welfare allowance exceeds the amounts listed in the schedule, a training allowance equivalent to that amount is paid. In addition, if a trainee has one or more dependants, he or she will receive and additional payment of £12 per week.
I am of the view that FÁS training allowances at their current level are generally satisfactory, taking into account their relationship with social welfare payments and the benefits in employability which accrue to persons who undertake training. I am considering, however, whether any additional steps need to be taken to increse the attractiveness of FÁS training courses to people who are long-term unemployed.
FÁS 1998 Training Allowances
(per week, unless otherwise stated)
|
Age Group |
Full-time |
Part-time (20 hours per week) |
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
Trainee aged 15-16 years |
28.75 |
– |
|
Trainee aged 17 years |
35.90 |
– |
|
Trainee aged 18 years and over |
70.50 |
40.30 |
Travel
(Full and Part Time Courses)
(effective 27 May 1998)
|
Milage |
£ |
|
0-3 |
0.00 |
|
3-5 |
3.60 |
|
5-10 |
9.30 |
|
10-20 |
13.80 |
|
20-30 |
17.00 |
|
30-40 |
21.80 |
|
40-50 |
25.60 |
Accommodation Allowance
(effective 27/5/98)
|
£ per day |
£ per week |
|
|
Maximum rate payable |
5.50 |
27.50 |
Meal Allowance
(i.e. for lunch outside the centre)
|
£ |
|
|
Full-time trainees |
60p per day |
|
Part-time trainees |
30p per day |