asked the Minister for Education the arrangements which exist for the monitoring of payments made in respect of vocational preparation and training programmes in secondary, community/comprehensive and vocational schools/community colleges; and if she has satisfied herself that these procedures are adequate from the point of view of public accountability.
Written Answers. - VPT Programmes Accountability.
82.
All allocations of money by my Department in respect of VPT programmes in second level schools are made on the basis of specific applications from the relevant school authority. These applications are examined in detail in my Department before payments are made. From allocations made to them by the Department, vocational education committees make direct payment of trainee allowances monthly in arrears to all VPT participants in their administrative areas, on foot of certification of satisfactory attendance by school principals. School authorities are required to submit detailed financial returns in respect of monies allocated on an annual basis.
I am satisfied the procedures used are adequate from the point of view of public accountability.