Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
926. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the situations in which training courses are funded (details supplied); the follow through that is done with the insurance sector that will not insure drivers with no experience; her plans to engage with the insurance industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11789/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Training Support Grant (TSG) funded by my Department is designed to facilitate quick access to short-term training that is identified to assist an individual jobseekers access immediate work opportunities. The scheme is activation focused and the jobseeker is required to provide reasonable evidence of need, in the form of a potential job offer or a requirement to maintain or achieve accreditation. HGV driver training courses are eligible for support under the TSG.
Access to the TSG scheme is arranged with the Department’s case officers and a jobseeker who wishes to access training under this scheme should contact their local Intreo Centre where the case officers are located.
The case officer will identify appropriate support interventions required with a customer, particularly where a job opportunity has been identified by the customer or where an intervention will enable an application for work to be made. The maximum fund available to jobseekers under the scheme is €500 per annum.
The issue of the provision and cost of insurance of HGV drivers should be directed to the relevant Minister/Department. It is not within the remit of my Department to engage with the insurance sector on the issue raised.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
