Vol. 504 No. 5
100 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the training schemes, if any, available to those who are self-employed; if she has satisfied herself with the operation of these schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12454/99]
Self-employed people can avail of a number of training schemes operated by FÁS. FÁS evening courses, which are held in training centres around the country, are available to self-employed people. A registration fee is charged for these courses. FÁS also operates the training support scheme which provides financial assistance towards training costs incurred by firms. The training support scheme gives special consideration to small enterprise and owner/manager development.
Self-employed tradespeople derive benefits from the apprenticeship training programme. Under the standards-based apprenticeship system which was introduced in 1993, apprentices are recruited by employers. During the apprenticeship, off-the-job training is provided in FÁS training centres and in institutes of technology or Department of Education and Science colleges. Although each apprentice remains an employee of his or her employer, apprentices are paid by FÁS during the off-the-job training modules.
In addition to the provision made by FÁS, self-employed people are also eligible to benefit from management development training arranged by the county enterprise boards and for management development supports provided by Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development.
I am satisfied that these schemes function effectively within the overall framework of training provision.
