James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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652. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to address concerns that long ETB training courses limit the earning potential of the long-term unemployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50262/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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A range of short-term and long-term, part-time and full-time ETB courses are available to long-term unemployed jobseekers, including some which the Departments supports through the Back To Education Allowance Scheme. Access to these courses is typically through a Case Officer or a JobPath Case Worker or LES Mediator. Courses may be agreed in the context of an agreed Personal Progression Plan, but at all times are chosen to best support the jobseeker secure full-time, suitable and sustainable employment. Of necessity, some of the courses agreed are long-term. If the person’s circumstances change while participating in the course, they should contact their Case Officer/Case Worker/Mediator to discuss suitable options. A jobseeker would not and could not be prevented from leaving a course to take up an offer of suitable employment.