Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Social and Family Affairs

FÁS Training Programmes

10:00 am

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a survey has been carried out on the number of persons who cannot register as unemployed on jobseeker's assistance due to their spouses' income; his plans to introduce a scheme which would give these unemployed persons access to retraining and or re-education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30088/10]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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If a person is unemployed, and does not qualify for jobseekers allowance they may be entitled to sign for credits, provided that they are available for and genuinely seeking work. The information sought by the deputy is not recorded by the Department. However, as of June 2010, there were 23,330 recipients of jobseekers credits.

In light of increased demand the Government is now providing, through FÁS, a total of 128,000 training and activation places for the unemployed this year. This is a substantial increase on the approximate 66,000 places provided last year. There is a wide range of education and training opportunities available through my Department, the Department of Education and Skills and FÁS to jobseekers to strengthen their qualifications and skills base and thus maximise their chances of meeting the requirements of the modern labour market and gaining employment.

Unemployed persons who are not receiving jobseekers benefit or assistance due to their spouse's income may apply for and participate on FÁS training programmes including day, evening, part-time, and e-learning courses. They will not, however, qualify for payment of a FÁS training allowance. They may also register for other FÁS services, including a vocational guidance interview with a FÁS employment services officer, and avail of the services of FÁS-funded jobs clubs.

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