Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 November 2020
129. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria to qualify for the training support grant; the person or body that makes the decision on who does and does not qualify for the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38904/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Training Support Grant, available through my Department, is designed to support quick access to short-term training where the training is not delivered by a State provider. The grant assisted approximately 5,600 jobseekers with short-term training needs in 2019. As part of the July Stimulus the funding available through this grant was doubled from €500 to €1,000.
Decisions on awarding the grant are administered through Intreo Centres by Case Officers. Together with the jobseeker, the Case Officer may identify a skills gap that represents an obstacle to applying for or taking up employment. Support may also be awarded where additional training is required prior to accessing other activation interventions, for example Community Employment positions. There is no qualifying period to access this grant.
While the primary focus of the scheme is on jobseekers and on supporting the activation policy of the Department, the grant is also available for individuals in receipt of other qualifying payments who may be looking to up-skill when seeking employment.
Where someone is not satisfied with the decision on their grant they may request a review of the decision by another officer. If there is a particular case that the Deputy has a concern about, the details should be forwarded to my Department for review.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
