Vol. 485 No. 2
367 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding, if any, available for VTOS courses; and if he will make a statement on the existing measures to encourage adults back into education. [23042/97]
The financial provision for the vocational training opportunities scheme for 1997 was £25,021,000. The allocation for 1998 has not yet been finalised. The vocational training opportunities scheme is an EU supported intervention which enables long-term unemployed people to return to education and training with a view to progression to employment. The scheme is operated through the vocational education committees.
The Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs also provides educational opportunities for long-term social welfare recipients through their second and third level allowance schemes. The various vocational education committees and other education institutions provide a wide range of courses for adults. In the area of student support, students who attended but did not successfully complete courses, and who return to courses at the same level following a break of at least five years, are eligible for funding under the student support schemes and the free fees initiative.
