Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

233 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who attend vocational training opportunity schemes in educational institutions which are not organised by the Vocational Educational Committee are not eligible for financial assistance under the scheme if they have the necessary qualifications in contrast to persons with similar qualifications attending similar courses in vocational schools; the reason this discrimination against pupils has been provided for; if he will indicate the steps, if any, he proposes to make to change the operation of the rules so as to facilitate all students being eligible to qualify for financial support on an equal basis irrespective of whether they attend a VTOS which has been approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

The Vocational Education Opportunity Scheme is a specific scheme operated by my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare and with financial assistance from the European Social Fund, under which long term unemployed persons can take part in full-time second-level vocational education and training without losing their Social Welfare entitlements. Participants are removed from the Live Register but receive an allowance from my Department in lieu of the social welfare payments they would be entitled to. Additional grants are paid towards travel, meals, books etc.

As the number of places available on the scheme has been limited, it has not been possible to accommodate all those who would wish to participate. The number of places was increased to 1,060 places in 1991/92. An additional 1,000 places will be available by the end of 1992 and consideration is being given to the further substantial expansion of the scheme.

For those who cannot be accommodated within the expanding VTOS, separate arrangements are operated by the Department of Social Welfare under which long term unemployed may continue to receive their social welfare payments while engaged full-time in education at either second or third-level. The additional grant assistance does not apply under these schemes.