Vol. 447 No. 11
195 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if funding for the Petra Programme was available to Westmeath vocational education committee for 1994; if not, when funding ceased; when this information was conveyed to Westmeath vocational education committee; and to whom this correspondence was sent. [1560/95]
The Westmeath vocational education committee was advised on August 1994 that it was no longer possible to continue to support the Athlone School Industry Links Programme from funds allocated for PETRA activities. The vocational education committee was also advised that steps were being taken to ensure that no additional commitments are entered into which would involve direct Exchequer funding for PETRA activities beyond 31 December 1994.
In response to a submission from the vocational education committee in respect of expenditure already incurred on the programme, it was decided in December 1994 to make a sum of £12,000 available in 1994 as an exceptional measure. All correspondence in this matter was with the Acting Chief Executive Officer.
The PETRA Programme came to an end on 31st December, 1994 and in future related activities in the area of initial vocational education and training will come within the ambit of the new EU programme on vocational education and training known as LEONARDO. This programme was approved by the Council of Ministers for Social Affairs on 6 December, 1994.
