Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

93. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if persons qualifying under the long-term illness scheme are eligible for training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43861/19]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are no eligibility rules in the further education and training area that disqualify persons holding anInvalidity Pension from participating in training courses.  However, before commencing the course applicants should make a request to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) for approval. Requests are reviewed by the DEASP and, if approved, an exemption letter is issued to the applicant. In respect of courses where a training allowance is paid, the participant will not be entitled to a training allowance as they retain their Invalidity Pension Allowance.  In some circumstances, the participant may receive a travel and subsistence allowance from the course provider.