Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 8

Written Answers. - FÁS Training Programme.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

4 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the increase in the FÁS training allowance for 1999 was applied to those trainees who were signing on for credits before their training commenced; if not, if she will make inquiries to FÁS on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27485/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

FÁS's general training allowances were increased by 4.3% with effect from 26 May 1999, in line with general increases in social welfare payments. Part-time trainees received a flat rate increase of £2.00 per week, representing a 5% increase. These increases were applied to all trainees on mainstream FÁS training courses, including people who were signing on for credits before their training commenced.

In addition to the general increases in training allowances, a training bonus of £25 per week was introduced on a pilot basis, with effect from 19 April 1999, for long-term unemployed people on FÁS training courses. This bonus is payable to trainees who were in receipt of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance for 12 months or more before commencing training with FÁS. People who progress to FÁS training from community employment or the job initiative programme are also eligible for the bonus if they completed a minimum of 12 months on community employment or job initiative prior to commencing training. Consecutive periods on unemployment benefit, unemployment assistance, community employment or job initiative can be combined to satisfy the minimum 12 month requirement.

The training bonus does not apply to people who were signing on for credits immediately before their training commenced.

The training bonus is an integral part of my Department's approach to improving employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed through participation on mainstream FÁS training courses. There is clear evidence that people who participate on such courses, which have close links to the labour market, significantly improve their chances of getting a job. The introduction of the training bonus has ensured that people moving to FÁS training from community employment or the job initiative do not suffer a reduction in their standard allowances.