840. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an education training grant will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to allow that person to take up a course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12234/20]

I am advised that the person concerned is currently in receipt of Illness Benefit, and that the Department has not yet received an application for a training support grant or correspondence seeking to do a course while on Illness Benefit.

If the person concerned wants to do a course while on Illness Benefit, it is necessary for the them to obtain permission from the Department.

The following details are required in order to apply for permission to do a course while on Illness Benefit.

- Name and address of the college or course provider, on their headed paper;

- Course title and details of the course;

- Proposed start date;

- How long the course will last including its end date; and

- confirmation that no payment will be made to the customer while participating on the course (other than the Educational Training Allowance payable under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme).

The person's PPS number should be stated on all correspondence to the Department.

The person concerned can submit these details to the Department and their entitlement to do a course will be reviewed by a Deciding Officer.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.