Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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769. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his views on the case of a person (details supplied) in respect of social protection support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25733/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Individuals who are on the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) can continue to receive their weekly social welfare payment and participate in education, training or employment programmes, whether these programmes are delivered on a full or part time basis. This is of course dependent on the individual continuing to satisfy the OFP means test and eligibility criteria.

The OFP scheme contains this flexible arrangement in order to encourage lone parents to enhance their education and skill levels thereby improving their chances of securing an employment opportunity.

Additional financial supports may be available via the Department of Education and Skills but these are dependent on the course type and the individual’s financial circumstances. Matters relating to the financial supports, which are available via Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) should be raised with my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton T.D.