Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2018
523. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding public service vehicle, PSV licences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51749/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a wide range of education and training opportunities for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities. The objective is to raise education and skills among the unemployed to meet the requirements of the labour market.
A person wishing to undertake part-time training, including a PSV course, can apply for approval under the education, training and development option (ET&D) or the part-time education option (PTEO) and may continue to receive, subject to satisfying certain conditions, his/her existing social welfare payment while attending recommended courses.
Furthermore the 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. This grant may be provided to a jobseeker to assist with the costs of training where reasonable evidence of a potential job is provided. While this grant will not assist with the costs of a PSV licence, it can support jobseekers with PSV training costs, awarding up to €500 per annum.
My Department’s Intreo staff are available to advise an individual of the option that might best suit their needs.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
