Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 173: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there are any circumstances, where a person on a FÁS training course and who is not in receipt of a social welfare payment can receive a training allowance from FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48332/10]

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

In Budget 2010, in order to maximise the impact of budgets for training the unemployed, the Government decided to cease the payment of FÁS training allowance to new entrants to FÁS training courses who are not entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance. Since February 2010, participants must confirm their entitlement to Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance with the Department of Social Protection prior to commencing a FÁS course.

FÁS training courses are open to all unemployed persons. However, if a participant is not entitled to Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance from the Department of Social Protection at the commencement of the course, then he/she does not receive a FÁS training allowance.

There are some exceptions. For example, those whose entitlement to Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit ceases during their participation on a FÁS course retain their allowance until the end of the course. Also, those under 18 who continue on a course after the age of 18 (mainly early school-leavers in Community Training Centre's) retain their allowance without having to prove their entitlement to Jobseekers Allowance/Job Seekers Benefit.