Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 142: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to those unemployed persons who do not qualify for social welfare payments to re-enter the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1662/12]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 144: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to unemployed persons in receipt of a payment other than jobseeker's benefit or allowance to re-enter the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1664/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together.

The Department of Social Protection operates a range of employment support measures designed to encourage and support social welfare recipients of working age to reduce their dependency on welfare payments. Individuals that are in receipt of a social welfare payment other than a jobseekers payment can avail of the back to education programme, the back to work scheme, the rural social scheme and the Work Placement Programme.

These individuals can also access the training programmes provided by FÁS under the auspices of the Department of Education and Skills but they will not receive a training allowance, while participating on these programme. My Department through its Employment Service and Local Employment Service offices provides a full range of services and supports to jobseekers. This includes providing jobseekers with information on the labour market including information on appropriate job vacancies mediation and guidance and advice on the employment and training programmes that are available to the jobseeker. Jobseekers should call to their local Employment Service and Local Employment Service Social Welfare Office to get information on the full range of services they are entitled to.