400 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a situation in County Cork whereby applicants for payment under the technical assistance and training scheme are being told that the scheme is now suspended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35734/10]

The Technical Assistance and Training Scheme allows the Department of Social Protection to provide support to Back to Work Enterprise Allowance recipients who are engaging in self employment projects, to enhance their chances of success to become independent of the social welfare system. This is a discretionary scheme and there is not an entitlement to the Technical Assistance and Training Scheme as of right. Where appropriate, the fund can also be used to provide support to other social welfare customers who may require assistance in accessing the labour market or are trying to establish an enterprise and need training or other supports. Take up of the Technical Assistance and Training Scheme has been very positive in 2010. The Department has reviewed funding for the scheme for the remainder of the year and the allocation has been increased by over 30%.