Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1340. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will extend the deadline for a training fund (details supplied) beyond 1 November 2023, given that the majority of the fund remains unspent. [27165/23]
View answerThe Debenhams Training Fund, proposed by the Chairman of the Labour Court in the context of the liquidation of Debenhams Ireland, was endorsed by the former workers in May 2021. Having secured the necessary approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the Fund is being financed from the National Training Fund. The Fund is administered by SOLAS and provides financial supports for occupational guidance and career planning support; privately provided accredited educational programmes and course expense contributions. The Fund will operate for two years, from its official commencement on 1st November 2021, or until fully expended, if earlier.
As of 31st May 2023, 517 ex-Debenhams workers have registered for the training fund with SOLAS. Of these 399 have confirming their eligibility and 280 have made 916 applications for support. Payments of €615,267.64 had issued to 255 former workers in respect of 812 applications.
Since the establishment of the Debenhams Training Fund, SOLAS has been proactive in engaging, assisting and supporting former workers to access the Fund. The advisory committee, established to support the implementation of the Fund, with members drawn from representatives of Mandate and SIPTU on behalf of the former workers, has also sought to maximise participation in the programme.
The maximum timeline of two years was set out in the proposal for the Debenhams Training Fund and reflects the timeline applied under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. The Fund was approved on this basis and accordingly the Fund will cease to operate on 31st October 2023.
