Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1209: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33608/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person referred to by the Deputy is participating in a Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) course. VTOS participants are entitled to a training allowance at a rate equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit, plus a payment for an adult or child dependant, if appropriate. VTOS students also retain their social welfare secondary benefits and are eligible for meal and travel allowances. In addition, a training bonus is paid to participants who have been in receipt of their social welfare payment for at least 12 months (312 days) directly before their course commencement date.

I understand from the relevant VEC that the person referred to by the Deputy did not have the required amount of days in receipt of their social welfare payment before their course commencement date to qualify for receipt of the training bonus.