Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
984. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the types of expenses awarded under the activation and family support programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Activation and Family Support Programme (AFSP) is to provide for funding to enable the development of training and education initiatives, mainly in conjunction with other organisations and agencies, to assist people who are in receipt of social welfare payments to enhance their employability through education, training and personal development opportunities and to improve their quality of life. The application of the funding is largely responsive to demand identified by local organisations who apply for funding for a project via the DEASP Case Officer. Funding applications come from a wide range of organisations including family resource centres, Partnership and Community development companies and advocacy groups.
Expenditure on the Programme will be deemed eligible where the course being delivered is targeted at jobseekers, in particular those who are long-term unemployed. The course should be restricted to customers of a working age and their adult dependants, considered to be outside the scope of mainstream activation activity. All courses/training must assist the jobseeker’s progression to the labour market. Training should be delivered by trainers who are fully qualified with formally credited qualifications.
AFSP endeavours to develop quick and innovative responses to meet customer needs. Programmes covered can include Pre-Employment Courses, Return to Education courses, Personal Development Programmes etc.
Payments under AFSP are only to be made to a group/organisation following a review of an application by the Case Officer, Area/Divisional Manager and once they are confident that the course has commenced as outlined. No additional allowances or payments for expenses are paid to individual participants of training through AFSP.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
