John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 105: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason single participants on FÁS schemes are being deducted 5.5% from their weekly income when the original deduction was meant to be 4.1% for all FÁS participants [41524/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined in the table, Community Employment (CE) scheme participant standard payments are made up of the individual's social welfare entitlement and a participation bonus. The Jobseeker's Allowance was reduced by 4.1% and the participation bonus by 18% in the December 2009 budget.

However, CE participants continue to receive a €20 per week participation bonus over the Jobseeker's Allowance while gaining worthwhile work experience and certified training customised to their individual needs, as identified through their Individual Learning Plan (currently amounting to €500 p.a., per participant for relevant training). In addition, the CE Return to Education budget provides additional funds to enable participants to improve their basic literacy and numeracy skills.