Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Ceisteanna (122, 158)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

122. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the entitlements of persons qualifying for the long-term illness scheme; if provision will be made for persons within this category who do not receive a social welfare payment to be included in vocational training opportunities and employment schemes; if persons qualifying under the scheme can be deemed eligible for workplace programmes and training courses even if they do not receive a social welfare payment; if this scheme will be reviewed with the objective of making other supports available for persons within this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18878/18]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

158. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if provision will be made for long-term illness scheme recipients to be deemed eligible for workplace programmes and training courses even if they do not receive a social welfare payment; if this scheme will be reviewed with the objective of making other training supports available for persons within this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18879/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 158 together.

I understand the Deputy’s inquiry relates to recipients of the illness benefit scheme administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Decisions in relation to referrals to participate on training programmes are made by that Department. Typically for training programmes aimed at equipping people to take up employment, priority is given to those who are available for work. Pathways to Work 2016–2020 also includes specific actions to increase labour market participation and employment progression of people who are not currently active in the labour market and to apply the concept of active inclusion as a guiding principle, particularly in the period from 2018 – 2020.