Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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271. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the State supports available by way of training under FÁS or any other avenues that can be explored, to provide necessary training for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16820/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Training Support Grant (TSG) provided by the Department of Social Protection is designed to fund quick access to short-term training where this cannot be provided by a state provider within a reasonable time or where a intervention is identified that can support individual jobseekers to access work opportunities.

The scheme is activation focused and the jobseeker is required to provide reasonable evidence or grounds of need (for example in the form of a potential job offer) or a requirement to maintain or achieve accreditation, for example, safe pass, driving licences certain certification such as required for the catering sector (HACCP) or the security industry permit.

The maximum fund available to jobseekers under the scheme is €500 p.a. Access to the scheme is via the Department’s case officers.

The training sought by the jobseeker, such as driving lessons must form part of the agreed personal progression or action plan for the individual to enter/re-enter the labour market.

In this case the person concerned should contact their case officer to discuss their options.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.