Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I am concerned about this section, which is on people losing jobseekers payments if they go on a course of study. How does this tally with the announcement made last July by the former Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, when he announced 1,500 free college places for jobseekers? When one reads the details one sees they are part-time flexible courses and there are certain requirements with regard to the length of unemployment. It is also stated that participants will be entitled to retain their social welfare payments while on a course. How does the section tally with this commitment?

The thinking that somebody on jobseekers payment is not allowed to do a course indicates a view that there are many malingerers for whom there are plenty of jobs if only they would get up and get out. The thinking that somebody on jobseekers payment cannot pursue a course of study is very much outdated. Many people on jobseekers payments would give anything to get a job, a decent training place or to get onto a course. Why is the Minister stating that they will have to give up their payments?

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