SOLAS Training and Education Programmes Allowances

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017

Tuesday, 31 January 2017

Ceisteanna (144)

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

144. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) is on a reduced rate of training allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3910/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Training allowances, funded by my Department through SOLAS, are paid to some participants on Further Education and Training programmes in lieu of their payments from the Department of Social Protection. Participants on programmes aged under 26 who were in receipt of a reduced rate of Jobseekers payment may receive a maximum rate of €160 per week. Learners with means will have these taken into account when their training allowance payment rate is being decided.

These programmes are delivered by Education and Training Boards who are responsible for the administration of training allowance payments to participants. I have referred your question to Kildare and Wicklow ETB for direct reply.