Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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189. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 695 of 20 September 2017, if there have been cases of persons participating in courses that are NFQ level 7 or higher as part of their individual learning plan agreed between the community employment supervisor with the person; the number of these persons; the NFQ level qualification attained; and the year it was attained during each of the past 15 years. [40809/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Training on Community Employment (CE) is based on the personal and occupational needs of each individual and is identified through the tailored Individual Learning Plan (ILP), agreed between the CE Supervisor and the participant and approved by my Department. A participant training grant is allocated to each CE Scheme.

During their time on CE, participants are encouraged and supported to work towards a major award/industry recognised standard of achievement which supports progression to employment and further training and education. In general, participants on CE engage in training leading to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Level 3, 4, 5 or 6, or industry recognised equivalent. The award level must be appropriate to the individual's ability, prior education history and progression goals.

In a number of individual cases, having regard to the participant’s circumstances and the need to support an individual’s progression opportunities, a contribution towards the cost of a higher level award (NFQ Level 7 or higher) may be considered by my Department, in line with the overall training budget allocation.

The following table shows the number of participants who were assisted to achieve awards at NFQ Level 7 or higher during their time on CE from the year 2012 to 2016: (Note: data available from 2012 only when responsibility for CE transferred to my Department).

* Industry related or other equivalent certification

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.