Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 9

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Tony Gregory

Question:

202 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education if he will review the level of payment to participate in vocational education committee-run VTO for the long term unemployed since such payments are substantially less than the full rate of unemployment assistance as is paid to participants in FÁS training schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

Under the terms of the vocational training opportunities scheme, which my Department administers in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare, participants in the scheme are entitled to retain their unemployment benefits while in training. They receive those benefits in the form of an equivalent allowance.

The scheme does not permit any increase in this allowance.