Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jul 1995

Vol. 455 No. 5

Written Answers. - VTOS Participants.

Mary Wallace

Question:

97 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the reason mature students who are unemployed and have completed a vocational training opportunities scheme course cannot avail of a post-leaving certificate course and maintain their social welfare benefits rather than the current situation which is causing them to go back on unemployment assistance; if she will take into consideration the fact that if these students were to go on to a third-level institution to do a certificate, diploma or degree course, they would receive third level allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12511/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The vocational training opportunities scheme is a two year programme and is supported by ESF funding on this basis.

Where people have been VTOS participants for less than two years it is possible for them, within the limit of places available to the vocational education committees concerned, to continue under VTOS while participating in a post leaving certificate course for the balance of the two years.

In the case of people who have participated in VTOS for two years it is open to them to participate in a post leaving certificate course under the Department of Social Welfare second level scheme unless they have broken the eligibility requirements since finishing on VTOS.

Participants in the Department of Social Welfare second level scheme continue to receive their social welfare entitlements in the normal way, and "signing-time" can be arranged to suit the courses. They can also get financial assistance from vocational education committees towards the cost of attending the courses.