SOLAS Training and Education Programmes Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2014

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

Ceisteanna (94)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

94. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason persons under the age of 26 on jobseeker's benefit only receive a €100 training allowance on FÁS training schemes while those under 26 on jobseeker's allowance automatically receive an increase of €60, bringing their payment to €160 per week; her plans to bring these people on jobseeker's benefit into line with those on jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39415/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The payment of a SOLAS (formally FÁS) training allowance is aligned to a person's social welfare entitlement as it replaces a participant's social welfare payment for the duration of a training course. The amount of that entitlement is determined by the Department of Social Protection in accordance with the rules of the various social welfare schemes. The rules encompassing these social welfare schemes are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.