Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 501: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if an unemployed person who participates in a FÁS placement programme but who is not in receipt of any social welfare payments is entitled to any allowance; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20370/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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FÁS training courses are open to all unemployed persons. However, if a participant is not entitled to a benefit from the Department of Social Protection at the commencement of the course then he/she would not receive a FÁS training allowance. FÁS liaises closely with the Department of Social Protection in relation to entitlements and conditions with regard to social welfare supports and a system is in place, since changes were introduced by Government in the most recent Budget, whereby participants confirm their entitlement with the Department of Social Protection prior to commencing a FÁS course.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 502: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications in Waterford city that have been received under the work placement programme; the number that have been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20706/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience for up to 2,000 unemployed individuals, including graduates. To date 136 clients have applied for vacancies advertised under the Work Placement Programme in Waterford City. Out of the 136 applicants, 21 have started positions with companies under the programme. Currently, there are 16 vacancies available to be filled under the Work Placement Programme in Waterford City. To date, 34 employers have advertised vacancies with FÁS under the programme for Waterford City.