Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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175. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the criteria to be considered to become a HGV driver instruction tuition provider for Intreo; and the process to apply for same. [35560/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Training Support Grant (TSG) provided by my Department 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 an intervention is identified that can support individual jobseekers to access work opportunities.

The maximum fund available to jobseekers under the scheme is €500 p.a. Access to the scheme is via my Department’s case officers. The training sought by a jobseeker, such as HGV driver instruction, must form part of the agreed personal progression or action plan for the individual to enter/re-enter the labour market.

The agreement to provide training under the TSG is made between the customers of the Department and the individual training company. Therefore, the Department does not endorse any specific course providers and it does not enter any contracts with individual companies for the provision of training.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance on this please do not hesitate to contact Philip in my office.