Vol. 430 No. 3
65 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm that a directive from her Department restricts the travel allowance payable by vocational education committees to participants on the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme to just £2.96 per week; if she considers this adequate in the light of current public transport costs; if she intends to increase the allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The travel allowances payable to participants in the VTOS range from £2.96 to £2.17 a week, depending on the distance between residence and course location. These are the same rates as those paid by FÁS. This direct link has existed since the establishment of the VTOS. In view of the relatively small number of participants in the VTOS as compared to the number of FÁS courses, I consider it more appropriate for my Department to follow established rates rather than establish new ones for the VTOS.
