Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to extend the number of places on the pilot short time working training programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23254/09]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget in 2009 in respect of the pilot training scheme for workers on short time; the number of people that have applied for this programme; the number that have been accepted onto the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27200/09]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 113 together.

The Short-Time Training Programme is a joint initiative between my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. This Programme, which will cost €1 million, will provide 277 individuals who are working a 3-day week and are receiving social welfare payments for the other 2 days, with training for these 2 days for a period of 52 weeks. In order to qualify participants must be on systematic short time working.

FÁS are currently in the process if identifying eligible companies and individuals to participate in the Programme. To date FÁS have allocated 120 places across two FÁS Regions and are currently in the process of confirming the participants status with the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

FÁS are continuing to explore other possible options for the allocation of the remaining places in other FÁS Regions. It is intended that these places will be allocated in the coming weeks. I am confident that this will be organized quickly to ensure that the valuable training opportunities, which they offer, can be availed of as soon as possible.

Finally, it is my intention to review the effectiveness of the Programme upon the satisfactory completion of its roll-out. It will be in this context that any potential changes or extension of the programme will be considered.