Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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246. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if funding will be provided for training and education opportunities in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12042/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Education and Skills (DES) have advised my Department that the provision of further education and training in the area in question is an operational one for Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB). The DES will ask DDLETB to respond to the Deputy directly with the information requested.

My Department is however actively engaging with those lone parents affected by the ongoing reforms to the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP). This means that lone parents who are on a jobseeker's payment can access the full range of employment, educational and training supports available to improve their skillset and move towards sustainable employment.

Under this support former OFP recipients who move to the jobseeker's allowance transitional arrangement, will have access to a one to one meeting with a case officer in order to agree a personal development plan. The aim of this plan is to focus on improving the skills and competencies of the individual with the goal of assisting them in securing employment. All other former OFP recipients who move to a jobseeker's allowance payment will gain access to the same service currently provided to all jobseekers, and will again be supported into education and training as appropriate with a view to helping these customers to find employment.