Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 1

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Question:

142 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the conditions pertaining to the vocational training opportunities scheme; if she envisages that this scheme can be used by students travelling abroad; and the administrative expenses that are payable to the overseeing body.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The conditions pertaining to the scheme in question and the administrative expenses payable are set out under headings below. A proposal from a vocational education committee to operate a module of a vocation training opportunities programme abroad is currently under consideration in my Department.

Conditions pertaining to the scheme: The scheme is for people who are unemployed for six months or more, 21 years of age and over and seeking employment. This includes people on the live register, and lone parents and other categories who can fill up to 10 per cent of places. The number of VTOS places to be filled by a vocational education committee are subject to approved limits. Participants can spend up to two years on courses under the scheme. They are mainly catered for in separate VTOS courses. These courses are for 30 hours a week and are intended to run for 52 weeks of the year, including holidays. Participants on the scheme can also attend existing courses in second level schools. Participants in the scheme are paid training allowances equal to the social welfare payments, including secondary benefits, they would be entitled to if they were not participating in the scheme. The courses are provided at no cost to the participants, and they can receive travel and meals allowances, depending on circumstances, in accordance with the rates paid by FAS.

The courses to be provided are education led vocational oriented courses and include subjects in the junior and leaving certification examinations, City and Guilds of London Institute and other examinations as well as specific skills courses, e.g. in the areas of new technology and secretarial work.

Administrative expenses payable to the overseeing body: The VTOS is operated through the vocational education committees. Funding is provided to the vocational education committees in the case of separate groups based on groups of 20 as follows:

Tuition

Funding for the actual pay costs is provided for up to 1,540 hours per annum. The estimated cost is £25,390 per annum.

Administration

Funding equal to 15 per cent of the payment for tuition is provided. The estimated cost is £3,810 per annum.

Non-pay course costs

An amount of £15,000 per group per annum is payable. This covers the cost of providing accommodation, overheads, equipment, books, examination fees, extra curricular activities, etc.

Allowances to participants

Funding is provided to cover the actual costs of training, travel and meals allowances mentioned above which differ from group to group.

VTOS participants attending existing courses in second level schools.

The normal funding provided for the courses concerned cover the core costs. VTOS funding is provided to vocational education committees for support services where they exist, administration, payment of allowances and to provide other financial support to the participants for books, exam fees, etc.