asked the Minister for Education the arrangement which has now been made with students in third level colleges for payment of European Social Fund grants.
87.
Written Answers. - European Social Fund Grants.
86.
asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a serious holdup with payment of grants from the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee in respect of moneys obtained from the European Social Fund; and the steps, if any, she will take to arrange for proper staff levels to be authorised at the City of Dublin VEC office so that these grants can be paid to the students who are entitled to same and who are in urgent need.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
The City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee are taking all necessary steps to expedite payment of the ESF allowances to trainees on ESF-aided training programmes. They expect to be in a position to pay the allowances before Christmas.
Discussions have taken place with the CDVEC in relation to the staffing resources which are required in order to ensure that the students can receive their allowances in time for Christmas.