Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the assistance available from her Department or agencies operating under the aegis of her Department regarding financial assistance for retraining and upskilling of those who have become unemployed in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11213/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Financial help for those who are unemployed and wish to retrain or upskill in order to find alternative employment is payable through a FÁS training allowance. FÁS training allowances are available for most FÁS courses with the exception of Evening and Online courses. The current rates are:

15/16 year olds: €83.25 (€47.95) part time

17 year olds: €104.00 (€59.90) part time

Adults €204.30 (€117.60) part time

In cases where a trainee's social welfare entitlement exceeds any of the amounts set out above, a training allowance equivalent to this entitlement will be paid on receipt of certified evidence, namely a "Participant Allowance Entitlement" form. In addition to this a training bonus payment of €31.80 is payable to the following categories of people who were on, or commenced, a FÁS training course on or after 19 April 1999:

Persons in receipt of Jobseeker Benefit or Jobseeker Allowance for 12 months or more;

Persons who progress to FÁS training having completed a minimum of 12 months on a Community Employment Programme;

Persons who progress on to a FÁS training programme having completed a minimum of 12 months on a Job Initiative Programme;

Disabled persons who are not in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension.

Persons who have completed a minimum period of 12 months in a combination of the above categories are also eligible for a training bonus payment. A travel allowance up to a maximum of €32.60 a week or an accommodation allowance up to a maximum of €69.90 a week may also be payable to those who might be undertaking training away from their normal place of residence.

FÁS can also provide support for the child care costs of persons who wish to undertake FÁS training programmes. The rates paid are a contribution towards the costs of child care and payment is made on the basis of the child care costs incurred by the person while attending a FÁS training programme. It is not intended that the FÁS contribution should cover the full costs of child care. The rates are: Pre-school care: €63.50 (€38.00 part time); Attending Primary School: €31.25